‘We believe this is a criminal act’ | Big rig crashes into Brenham DPS Office, multiple injured, authorities say

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

At this time, it’s unclear how many people were hurt or the extent of their injuries. We also don’t know what led up to the crash.

BRENHAM, Texas — Multiple people suffered what were described as “serious injuries” Friday when a commercial vehicle crashed into a DPS Office in Brenham, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.  

Six people were hospitalized, according to Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who is from Brenham. She said of the six, three were taken to nearby hospitals by helicopters. The other three were stable when taken to hospitals. 

Kolkhorst posted on X that no employees were injured, but one staffer was trapped in their office for some time. 

This happened at the DPS driver’s license office off Highway 290 on the southwest side of Brenham.

Texas DPS first at 11:17 a.m. At 12:37 p.m. they posted that a person was arrested and there was no threat to the community. 

#Breaking – A commercial motor vehicle ran into the Brenham DPS Office, and there are reports of multiple serious injuries.

PIO is headed to the scene.

Please stay clear of the area as investigators and medical personnel respond to the area.

Updates will be provided here.

— TxDPS – Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) April 12, 2024

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office believes this may have been intentional.

“We believe this was a criminal act,” Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak said.

County Judge Mark Keough said he was told by the Texas Fusion Center, which is a part of DPS, that the suspect drove the vehicle into the DPS office in Brenham because he was denied a CDL on Thursday. Law enforcement has not confirmed this. 

KHOU 11 Investigates’ Jeremy Rogalski said according to scanners, the suspect stole the vehicle in Chappell Hill before driving it into the DPS office. 

Texas DPS is expected to give the public an update sometime this afternoon. 

The suspect has not been identified. The Texas Rangers are investigating.

DPS asked people to avoid the area while investigators and medical crews work the scene.

This is a developing story that will be updated if/when more information is available.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.

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