What to Know
- Richard Tillman was arrested on suspicion of arson for driving a vehicle into a San Jose post office that eventually caught fire.
- Tillman is reportedly the brother of Pat Tillman, the late NFL player and Army veteran.
- U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet said investigators are considering the fire an intentional act.
A car crash into a post office in San Jose, California, Sunday morning, creating extensive damage after the building caught fire and was engulfed in flames.
The San Jose Police Department said the vehicle had been driven into the post office, and that a suspect was taken into custody in relation to the fire.
A source with knowledge of the investigation told NBC Bay Area the suspect told officers on the scene he is the brother of late NFL star turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman, and that he live-streamed the event on a social media platform.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff Office’s inmate locator, Richard Tillman was booked Sunday and is being held without bail. He’s due in court on Wednesday.
Late Sunday, San Jose police confirmed the suspect is 44-year-old Richard Tillman of San Jose. He was booked for arson. The motive of the crash and subsequent fire is under investigation.
Pat Tillman was the NFL star who passed up a lucrative football contract to serve his country in Afghanistan.
Tillman was killed by friendly fire in 2004 while serving as an Army ranger. He grew up in San Jose, played football at Arizona State, and went on to a celebrated NFL career.
SJPD said the U.S. Postal Inspector has taken over the investigation.
U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet said investigators are considering the fire an intentional act.