Pat Tillman’s Brother Arrested After Fiery Crash Into San Jose Post Office
Authorities in San Jose, California, are investigating a bizarre early-morning crash after a car slammed into a post office and started a fire. The driver, identified as Richard Tillman — the brother of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman — has been arrested on suspicion of arson. The incident is now under federal investigation due to the nature of the crash and signs of possible vandalism.
Car Crashes Into San Jose Post Office, Sparks Fire
Just after 3 a.m. on Sunday, emergency crews in San Jose responded to a fire at the Almaden Valley Station Post Office. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, a vehicle had crashed into the building’s box lobby area and caught fire.
The fire was quickly extinguished, and fortunately, no one was hurt. But the cause of the crash — and the reason behind it — is still unclear.
Driver Identified as Richard Tillman
The driver was arrested at the scene and later identified as Richard Tillman, 44, the younger brother of Pat Tillman. Pat Tillman was a former NFL star who left football to join the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. He died in Afghanistan in 2004 due to friendly fire.
Richard Tillman was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of arson, police said.
Investigators Looking Into Vandalism and Livestream
Federal postal investigators are now digging deeper. According to ABC News, officials are investigating reports that the car crash may have been livestreamed by the driver.
Sources also said that spray-painted words were found on the outside of the building, though it’s not yet known whether the graffiti is directly connected to the crash.
There is no confirmation yet if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
No Comment From Pat Tillman Foundation
ABC News reached out to the Pat Tillman Foundation for a statement or comment from the Tillman family, but there has been no public response so far.
The foundation, which honors Pat Tillman’s legacy, focuses on supporting veterans and military families through education and leadership development.
Federal Investigation Underway
Because the crash involved a U.S. government facility, the case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the agency responsible for protecting postal workers and property.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted to postal inspectors by calling 877-876-2455.
A Shocking Incident With Unanswered Questions
This is not the first time a vehicle has caused damage to a federal facility, but the connection to someone with a high-profile family name has drawn more attention to the case.
So far, no charges beyond arson have been officially announced, and the investigation is ongoing.
More details are expected to be released as authorities determine what led to the fiery crash and whether any additional charges may be filed.
If you have information that may help the investigation, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
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