Belton Trooper, Officers Honored for Stopping Suspect at Killeen Mall

DPS awards recognize bravery and quick action that prevented further harm during chaotic incident.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass, with dramatic shadows and highlights created by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the chaos and danger of the Killeen Mall incident.A shattered window from the Killeen Mall incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in protecting public safety.Austin Today

A Belton DPS trooper and three officers have been honored with DPS awards for their actions in stopping a suspect who drove a pickup truck into the Killeen Mall and struck multiple civilians. Trooper Brody Telfer was awarded the Director's Citation, while Officers Patrick Blair, Cary Spate, and Lieutenant Robert Mallet received the Directors Award for their bravery and willingness to engage the threat, which authorities say directly contributed to saving lives.

Why it matters

The incident at the Killeen Mall highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers can face in responding to rapidly evolving, chaotic situations where public safety is at immediate risk. The awards recognize the quick thinking and selfless actions of these officers, who put themselves in harm's way to protect shoppers and stop a suspect intent on causing further harm.

The details

On December 21, 2024, Trooper Telfer responded to reports of an erratic driver on I-35. The suspect led Telfer on a pursuit that continued into the Killeen Mall, where the driver intentionally crashed through the entrance of a department store, striking multiple civilians and attempting to drive further into the mall. Without hesitation, Trooper Telfer pursued the vehicle on foot and took decisive action to stop the threat. The other officers - Blair, Spate, and Mallet - also engaged the suspect to stop the ongoing threat and prevent further harm.

  • On December 21, 2024, Trooper Telfer responded to reports of an erratic driver on I-35.
  • The pursuit continued into the Killeen Mall, where the driver intentionally crashed through the entrance of a department store.

The players

Trooper Brody Telfer

A Belton DPS trooper who was awarded the Director's Citation for his bravery and quick action in pursuing and stopping the suspect at the Killeen Mall.

Officer Patrick Blair

One of the officers who was awarded the Directors Award for engaging the suspect and helping to stop the ongoing threat at the Killeen Mall.

Officer Cary Spate

One of the officers who was awarded the Directors Award for engaging the suspect and helping to stop the ongoing threat at the Killeen Mall.

Lieutenant Robert Mallet

An off-duty officer who was awarded the Directors Award for engaging the suspect and helping to stop the ongoing threat at the Killeen Mall.

John Darrell Schultz

The 53-year-old driver of the pickup truck who intentionally crashed into the Killeen Mall, striking multiple civilians.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The actions of the people we are recognizing today undoubtedly saved lives. It's such an honor to be able to take the time and thank them for taking the extra step, going above and beyond, acting when others may not. These men and women make Texas a better and safer place for all of us to call home every day – and I cannot thank them enough for their bravery and selflessness.”

— Colonel Freeman F. Martin, DPS Colonel

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical role law enforcement plays in responding to dangerous, rapidly evolving situations to protect public safety. The awards recognize the heroic actions of these officers, who put their own lives at risk to stop an active threat and prevent further harm to innocent civilians.