Semitrailer Driver Intentionally Rammed 18-Wheeler Into Texas Public Safety Office After License Renewal Was Denied, Leaving 1 Dead, 13 Injured

By Madz Dizon

Apr 13, 2024 06:17 AM EDT

Semitrailer Driver Intentionally Rammed 18-Wheeler Into Texas Public Safety Office After License Renewal Was Denied, Leaving 1 Dead, 13 Injured — A police car and hazmat semi-trailer sit inside the The Village Bend East apartment complex where a second health care worker who has tested positive for the Ebola virus resides on October 16, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. Nurse Amber Vinson joins Nina Pham as health workers who have contracted the Ebola virus at Texas Heath Presbyterian Hospital while treating patient Thomas Eric Duncan, who has since died. (not the actual photo)
(Photo : Mike Stone/Getty Images)

An incident occurred in Texas where a semitrailer driver intentionally crashed a stolen 18-wheeler into a public safety building.

The tragic incident resulted in the loss of one life and caused injuries to 13 individuals, according to authorities.

Semitrailer Intentionally Crashed Into Texas Public Safety Office

A driver, Clenard Parker, 42, was forcefully removed from his truck by authorities after crashing into a Texas Department of Public Safety office in the rural town of Brenham, located outside of Houston, according to Sgt. Justin Ruiz.

According to The Washington Times, the front of the red semitrailer was significantly damaged in the crash. The semitrailer was carrying materials on a flatbed at the time.

According to Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura, the driver of the truck backed up and attempted to crash into the building again before being detained, after the initial collision.

A driver, identified as Clenard Parker, 42, was removed from the truck by authorities at the Texas Department of Public Safety office. According to authorities, Parker was apprehended without resistance and is expected to face several felony charges. However, the specific charges have not been disclosed at this time.

Semitrailer Driver's License Declined Prior to Incident

According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz, employees at the office informed Parker on Thursday that he would not be able to renew his commercial driver's license. He declined to provide further details on why Parker's renewal was denied.

According to Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, although no one who worked at the driver's license office suffered serious injuries, there was an employee in the building who was trapped for a period of time after the crash.

The location of the person who was killed at the time of the crash remained unclear on Friday afternoon.

After the crash, two individuals were transported by air to a hospital in Bryan, while another person was taken to Houston. Three individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation, but were discharged later. Additionally, eight other individuals received on-site medical attention.

Parker, a resident of Chappell Hill located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of the crash site, is currently in custody without bail at the Washington County jail in Brenham. He faces two initial charges, including suspicion of evading arrest causing serious bodily injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

It remains uncertain whether Parker has legal representation or if one will be assigned to them for their upcoming court appearance. No attorney or pending court date was listed on the jail's website.

Ruiz stated that he was unaware of Parker's potential criminal history. According to the authorities, an ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine if the individual was armed during the incident. Authorities are also looking into whether his actions could potentially be classified as an act of terrorism, AP News reported.

People