Brother of NFL star crashes into post office, sparks fire
- A vehicle crashed into a post office in San Jose early Sunday morning, causing extensive fire damage.
- Richard Tillman, brother of NFL legend Pat Tillman, was arrested at the scene and is being investigated for possible charges.
- The incident has drawn attention due to Richard Tillman's familial connection to a prominent public figure, raising questions about the circumstances.
In the early hours of Sunday, July 20, 2025, a post office located on the 6500 block of Crown Boulevard in San Jose, California, caught fire following a crash involving a vehicle. The incident was reported to have occurred around 3 a.m., prompting a swift response from the San Jose Fire Department, who dispatched approximately 50 firefighters to the scene. Upon their arrival, firefighters discovered that a vehicle had struck the post office, resulting in a considerable fire that engulfed the building. The flames were extinguished by 4:30 a.m. after a second alarm was raised. San Jose Police officials indicated that they were actively investigating the crash and subsequent arson, confirming that a suspect was arrested at the scene. Identified as Richard Tillman, the brother of the late NFL player Pat Tillman, he allegedly informed officers that he had been live-streaming the incident on social media. The San Jose Fire Department stated that no injuries were reported due to the incident, although the building itself suffered significant damage. As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that Richard Tillman had been detained without bail, with further inquiries being conducted by various agencies including the San Jose Police, the Fire Department's arson investigators, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. While it remains unclear what specific charges Richard Tillman might face, upcoming court proceedings were scheduled for July 23. This event has brought additional media attention due to Richard Tillman's familial ties to Pat Tillman, who was an esteemed NFL player known for his decision to leave the sport to enlist in the U.S. Army post-9/11. Pat Tillman's legacy continues to resonate, particularly given his tragic death during military service in Afghanistan. The involvement of his brother in such a dramatic incident raises questions regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash and fire, as well as potential impacts on how the public views the Tillman family legacy.