(Waukesha) Investigators are investigating whether the driver of an SUV who appeared in a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40, was fleeing a crime, a forces official said. order to the Associated Press.
The cheerful scene of marching bands and dancing children, Santa’s hats on their heads, turned deadly in an instant on Sunday, giving way to screams and bodies lying on the ground, as the SUV slipped through barricades and hit cars. dancers, musicians and other participants.
One person was arrested after a Waukesha police officer opened fire in an attempt to stop the vehicle, authorities said.
Two law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly, identified the person as Darrell Brooks, 39.
Already charged with violent crimes
Court documents online indicate that a man named Darrell Brooks, whose birthdate puts him at 39, has already been criminally charged in two cases in Milwaukee County. In a file, filed on November 5, he is accused of resisting or obstructing a police officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, failing to appear in court and assault and battery.
In the other case, filed in July 2020, Darrell Brooks is charged with endangering others and illegal possession of a firearm.
Asked about a knife attack
Investigators were questioning the person about an earlier crime, which one of the officials described as a feud involving a knife. The official warned that the investigation was still in its infancy.
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson gave no immediate details about the person or a possible motive. Mr Thompson said he was not sure whether the driver was hit by the officer’s bullets, but assured no passerby was injured by the gunfire.
On social media, the city of Waukesha put the death toll at at least five.