MABANK, TX – A 29-year-old Texas man shot five people, killing three, before driving 35 miles and crashing his minivan into a Buc-ee’s convenience store early Friday morning in what authorities are calling a random act of violence.
Christopher Kyle Reid Jr. opened fire in a Mabank subdivision just before 2:30 a.m., killing Kimberly Simpson, 51, Connie Patrick, 72, and Rodney Hammonds, 57. Two others were wounded in the shooting.
Hammonds was found with multiple injuries including stab wounds and blunt force trauma in addition to gunshot wounds, according to investigators. The two surviving victims, Colton Reid, 24, and Henry Hopgood, 70, were transported to area hospitals, with Hopgood listed in critical condition.
After the shooting, Reid drove approximately 35 miles to Ennis, where he crashed his 2003 Dodge Caravan into the entrance of a Buc-ee’s store. A woman in her 30s from Oklahoma was pinned against a sales display during the crash and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Reid then shot himself in the head and was hospitalized in critical condition. Henderson County deputies responded to both scenes but have not released information about a possible motive or what charges Reid may face if he survives.
A neighbor in the Mabank subdivision told authorities that a shooting victim came to her door “saying his brother shot him,” suggesting a possible family connection between Reid and at least one of the victims. Investigators have not confirmed the relationship between the shooter and victims.
The incident disrupted operations at the popular Buc-ee’s location, known for its massive size and convenience store offerings. The chain has locations throughout Texas and the southern United States.
Henderson County officials are continuing their investigation into the shooting and subsequent crash. Authorities have not disclosed whether Reid had any prior criminal history or mental health issues.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies are working together to piece together the events that led to the deadly rampage. No further suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.
