In a shocking turn of events, Richard Tillman, the 44-year-old brother of late NFL star Pat Tillman, has been arrested after a vehicle he was allegedly driving crashed into a post office in San Jose, California, and caught fire.
The incident occurred early in the morning on Sunday, July 20, 2025, triggering a large response from local authorities.
Fire and Emergency Response
At approximately 3 a.m. local time, the San Jose Fire Department (SJFD) responded to reports of a fire at the Almaden Valley Post Office, located on the 6500 block of Crown Blvd in south San Jose.
The fire department dispatched around 50 personnel to the scene and carried out defensive operations to prevent the fire from spreading. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials confirmed that the vehicle had been driven into the post office and caught fire, causing the building to catch on fire as well. In addition to the fire department, the San Jose Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) also responded to the scene.
Richard Tillman Arrested for Suspected Arson
Richard Tillman, who identified himself as the brother of Pat Tillman, was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of arson. He allegedly live-streamed the incident on social media, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Tillman was arrested on Sunday, and a court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. local time.
While authorities did not immediately name Richard Tillman as the suspect in official statements, reports from NBC Bay Area and ABC News indicated that he was the individual taken into custody in connection with the fire.
Investigation and Further Developments
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) provided details of the incident, confirming that the fire started after a vehicle was driven into the post office.
The investigation is still ongoing, with federal investigators reportedly examining words that were spray-painted onto the post office building, though their connection to the incident is unclear.
Connection to Pat Tillman
Richard Tillman is the brother of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who left his football career to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Pat Tillman tragically lost his life while serving in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27.
He was widely recognized for his bravery, and the Pat Tillman Foundation was established in his honor to support military service members, veterans, and their families through scholarships and leadership programs.
The arrest of Richard Tillman has raised many questions, and both local authorities and federal investigators are working to uncover the full details surrounding the incident.
Public Response and Investigation
The San Jose Police Department, the San Jose Fire Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Pat Tillman Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further updates on the circumstances surrounding the fire and Richard Tillman’s arrest.
