Shooting Victim Tried to Drive Himself to Hospital

Killeen police say victim was shot multiple times on Zephyr Road

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a shooting incident.A recent wave of gun violence in Killeen has left victims struggling to reach medical care, exposing the need for faster emergency response.Killeen Today

A shooting victim in Killeen, Texas attempted to drive himself to the hospital after being shot multiple times on Thursday afternoon, according to police. Officers responded to a shots-fired call and found the victim in the 2700 block of East Central Texas Expressway, where they provided lifesaving measures until emergency medical services arrived. The victim was then airlifted to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Why it matters

Gun violence and the challenges victims face in accessing immediate medical care are ongoing public safety concerns in Killeen, a city that has seen elevated rates of violent crime in recent years. This incident highlights the risks and difficulties victims can face when trying to transport themselves to a hospital after a shooting.

The details

According to Killeen Police Department spokeswoman Ofelia Mirzamontes, officers responded to a shots-fired call on Zephyr Road around 4:39 p.m. on Thursday. While en route, they were informed that a shooting victim was located in the 2700 block of East Central Texas Expressway, having been shot multiple times while attempting to drive himself to a local hospital. Officers provided lifesaving measures until Killeen EMS arrived, and the victim was then airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.

  • The shooting occurred around 4:39 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The victim was found in the 2700 block of East Central Texas Expressway.

The players

Ofelia Mirzamontes

Spokeswoman for the Killeen Police Department.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Officers were able to determine that both calls were related.”

— Ofelia Mirzamontes, Killeen Police Department spokeswoman

“The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White' Medical Center.”

— Ofelia Mirzamontes, Killeen Police Department spokeswoman

What’s next

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and police have not yet released any information about a suspect or motive.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the urgent need for improved access to emergency medical care and the ongoing challenges Killeen faces in addressing gun violence in the community.