Devendra Kumar
A senseless act of violence unfolded in the quiet town of Brenham, Texas, when Clenard Parker, a 42-year-old truck driver, deliberately crashed his stolen truck into the Texas Department of Public Safety office, killing one person and injuring 13 others. According to authorities, Parker’s request to renew his commercial driver’s license was rejected, leading to this tragic event. The incident occurred outside Houston, in the rural town of Brenham, and caused significant damage to the building and surrounding area, with debris scattered across the scene.
Parker intentionally backed up his truck after the initial crash, showing no signs of slowing down, as if trying to inflict even more harm. Police were quickly notified and managed to detain Parker, pulling him out of the truck. The injured were taken to various hospitals, with two people flown to CHI St Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, one to Memorial Hermann in Houston, and three to Baylor Scott and White in Brenham. Eight people were treated on the scene, with no DPS staff members sustaining serious injuries. One staff member was trapped in the building for a period of time, leaving authorities to review the footage to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the incident, with DPS officials requesting people to avoid the area to allow medical personnel to respond. According to authorities, there is no further threat. The Texas DPS office in Brenham is a critical agency, responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and conducting law enforcement operations across the state, including working on border security along the US-Mexico border. The office is closed until further notice as authorities work to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura expressed regret, stating, “It’s unfortunate that we are here gathered for a really senseless tragedy.” Republican state senator Lois Kolkhorst echoed these sentiments, saying, “This deliberate, heinous act is a reminder of the dangerous work done by our law enforcement and licensing agencies that work to provide public safety and services.” The incident has left the community shaken, and authorities are working to determine the motives behind Parker’s actions. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the impact of this tragedy will be felt for a long time to come.