Charges dropped against Richard Tillman after post office crash in San Jose

(KRON) — Santa Clara County prosecutors dropped all state charges against Richard Tillman on Monday in connection to a bizarre San Jose post office crash and fire.

Richard Tillman, who is the 44-year-old brother of late NFL star and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, is not out of legal trouble yet, however.

Federal prosecutors still have federal charges pending, including malicious destruction of government property by fire, for the same post office incident.

Deputy District Attorney Emily Lessard told KRON4, “The case was dismissed in light of the federal prosecution for the same conduct. The goal is to ensure accountability while preserving judicial economy.”

Just before 3 a.m. on July 20, investigators said Richard Tillman intentionally crashed his car into a United States Post Office and lit the car on fire using matches, lighter fluid, and highly flammable materials.

He allegedly livestreamed the entire incident at 6525 Crown Boulevard on his YouTube channel, named MepapasSon13, court documents state.

As the post office went up in flames, Richard Tillman allegedly sprayed an unfinished message in graffiti.

“Tillman admitted to spray painting the words ‘Viva La Me’ on the building after starting the fire, but did not finish what he wanted to write because the heat from the fire was too intense,” United States Postal Inspector Shannon Roark wrote in court documents.

The federal post office was heavily damaged before firefighters were able to douse the pre-dawn blaze. Investigators said Richard Tillman was “trying to make a statement to the United States Government.”

His famous brother, Pat Tillman, left the Arizona Cardinals NFL team to enlist in the U.S. Army following 9/11. He was killed in action while fighting in Afghanistan in 2004.

During a July court appearance at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice courthouse, Richard Tillman told a judge that he didn’t need bail because he was homeless and had nowhere to live.

During his August 21 arraignment in federal court, Richard Tillman pleaded not guilty. He is currently in federal custody. 

The Tillman family said he has been battling severe mental health issues for many years.