‘A SENSELESS TRAGEDY’; LOCAL OFFICIALS SPEAK ON FATAL CRASH AT BRENHAM DPS OFFICE
Local officials are calling this (Friday) morning’s crash into the Brenham DPS office by a stolen 18-wheeler an “act of violence” and “a senseless tragedy.”
speaks to reporters at a press conference after an
18-wheeler crashed into Brenham's DPS office
Friday morning. Several people were hospitalized,
and one was killed. Also addressing the media was
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (far left).
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura were among those who spoke this (Friday) afternoon at a press conference held across the highway from the scene of the crash, which led to one person’s death and several other injuries.
Kolkhorst said this is a reminder of the danger that law enforcement and public safety officials continually face.
Kolkhorst also said this act will not go unpunished.
Kenjura thanked first responders for their speedy response, saying the losses could have been much more severe were it not for them.
42-year-old Clenard Parker of Chappell Hill is in custody at the Washington County Jail and will face several felony charges.
The investigation into the incident is being led by the Texas Rangers.
Full statement from State Senator Lois Kolkhorst:
“Today, a horrific tragedy occurred in my hometown of Brenham where an individual driving a stolen 18-wheeler crashed through the local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Three individuals were life-flighted with critical injuries. Three other patrons were transported to local hospitals in stable condition. I have been in contact with local officials as well as the Director of DPS and the Lt. Governor’s office. All resources are being deployed to assist our local first responders. DPS reports that no staff suffered serious injury; one staffer had been trapped for a period of time inside the office.
According to law enforcement, this appears to be an intentional, criminal act and the Texas Rangers will be leading the investigation. 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. Please join me in praying for the innocent victims and their families at this time.”
Full statement from Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura:
“I want to again express my sincere gratitude to the law enforcement officers who took swift action to apprehend the suspect. Without their efforts, I’m certain even more harm would have been done. I couldn’t be more proud of this community for all that was done today. I ask that you continue to keep the families in your thoughts and prayers as they process the loss of life and the trauma endured by those in the building today.”
Perfectly said. He is my couison and he has dealt with serious mental issues for a long time
Sadly, this is becoming the new norm. Don’t get what you want, then take extreme action. From fighting with a youth baseball umpire in the parking lot when your kid did not get the right call to a man putting on a woman’s swimsuit to win a medal because you could not compete in a men’s league. From screaming at school teachers or administrators because “my child would never do that” to driving an 18-wheeler through the DPS. All different outcomes, but at the root of it – people get angry because things don’t go the way they want. It is a sad world we live in.
I totally agree with you. It all occurs when you start picking teams for little league base ball, soft ball, basket ball, foot ball, and soccer. Children who become members of these pre selected teams grow up thinking they are the greatest. Until they do not make the varsity team, do not get the promotion on their job, and mom and dad can no longer fix their life like the pre selected little league teams. yes these individuals come in all nationalities. Washington County is full of them. Wake up people no one wins always. Set your child up to handle failure. It will come. Just continue to say good morning. Some may say keep a living.
Just goes to show people are at their wits end. There is no excuse for his actions. Theft, deliberately intending to kill and destroy everything in his path. But maybe he really depended on this CDL to support his family. Many people are down on their luck because of the outrageous economy today. People “snap” after month after month of worry and seeing no way out. I’m sure he didn’t want to live through this also. …
BUT DON’T TAKE IT OUT ON INECENT PEOPLE! Those people were in the waiting area just trying to get stuff done. They didn’t contribute to his failing to qualify for renewal. That was on him.
Maybe he was stressed, but, you don’t go on a rage and intentionally try to hurt people! He is nuts! He took a life, and injured others. I hope he can live with that!
During the Great Depression years of the 1930’s, people had much more reason to be stressed, but these kinds of responses were very rare. There is something very different now in our culture that causes a person to identify as a “victim” and retaliate against innocent strangers.
I agree it will s called entitlement. It comes in all nationalities. Parents, parent’s name, Family money, and not preparing your children for failure. It will come at some point in their lives.
This day and age, you never know what’s going on in someone’s head……his actions were inexcusable! I feel strongly that he did not do this because he was refused his renewal of license. I feel that it was of the way he was either treated or spoke to that set him off. The Brenham office has a reputation for bad customer service, as well as extreme rudeness to customers. Just read google reviews if you haven’t experienced yourself. Sadly when someone that is already unstable for whatever reason, and is pushed over the edge, it is usually innocent people that get hurt. Prayers to the victims and families that were affected by this tragedy. Sometimes a little common courtesy and kindness towards others goes a long way…….and may prevent horrible actions such as this.