A man identified as Richard Tillman, the brother of former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, has been arrested following an incident in which he allegedly drove a vehicle into a post office in San Jose, California. The incident occurred at approximately 03:00 on Sunday, March 3, 2024, prompting a response from local police and firefighters to the Almaden Valley Station Post Office.
According to a statement from the US Postal Inspection Service, officials arrived at the scene to find a vehicle engulfed in flames in the box lobby area. The fire was quickly extinguished, and Richard Tillman was taken into custody. The postal service confirmed that Tillman claimed to be the brother of the late NFL player and stated that he live-streamed the crash on a social media platform.
The investigation is being treated as a potential intentional act. The US Postal Inspection Service is conducting a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Richard Tillman is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, according to booking information from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
Pat Tillman, who gained fame as a football player for the Arizona Cardinals, is remembered for his decision to leave a lucrative NFL career to enlist in the Army following the September 11 attacks. He tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004 during a friendly fire incident while serving as a Ranger.
Responding to the scene, the San Jose Fire Department deployed approximately 50 personnel to manage the situation, reporting no injuries related to the fire. Photos shared by the department depict firefighters working to extinguish the flames at the entrance of the post office.
The ongoing investigation seeks to clarify the motives behind Richard Tillman’s actions and the implications they may hold for the broader community.
