The brother of the late NFL participant and U.S. Military Ranger Pat Tillman is suspected of driving right into a South San Jose submit workplace early Sunday morning, officers mentioned.
The fireplace occurred simply earlier than 3 a.m. on the 6500 block of Crown Boulevard. In accordance with the San Jose Hearth Division, a automobile crashed into the submit workplace and caught fireplace.
The suspect arrested was recognized as 44-year-old Richard Tillman, Pat’s brother, in line with U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet.
Pat Tillman performed 4 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals earlier than leaving the NFL and enlisting within the Military in 2002. He was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, on the age of 27. The Military initially advised his household he had been killed by enemy fireplace when he charged up a hill to guard his fellow rangers. They later admitted he had truly been killed by friendly fire.
Authorities alleged Richard deliberately reversed a automobile into the foyer of the Almaden Station Publish Workplace, then set the constructing on fireplace. The submit workplace is now thought of a complete loss.
“It definitely looks as if a chance that this fireplace was deliberately set,” Norfleet mentioned. “Why anyone would do this, like I mentioned, is past rationalization.”
Federal postal investigators mentioned Richard had spray-painted “Viva La Me” on the constructing’s exterior. “Viva la” is Spanish for “lengthy reside,” however authorities mentioned the which means of the total phrase is unclear.
“So far as what the message means, that may be a very unanswered query,” Norfleet mentioned. “Everyone knows the tragic occasions that occurred to Pat Tillman and don’t have anything however respect for his household. That raises extra questions than solutions.”
CBS Information Bay Space tried to succeed in Mary Tillman, the mom of each Pat and Richard, however was unsuccessful. A household buddy confirmed that Mary relocated to Arizona about two months in the past after promoting her San Jose house, situated simply 4 miles from the destroyed submit workplace.
Tillman is scheduled to look in court docket on Wednesday at midday.
The motive for the assault stays beneath investigation.
About 50 firefighters had been despatched to the scene after a second alarm was referred to as, and the fireplace was knocked down round 4:30 a.m., the fireplace division mentioned.
The USPS mentioned PO field clients and notice-left mail who use the Almaden station should go to the Willow Glen Publish Workplace at 1750 Meridian Avenue, which will likely be open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prospects will want a photograph ID for all mail pick-up.
