Waukesha Christmas Parade: Death Tolls Climbs After SUV Plows Into Crowd

Police have a ‘person of interest' in custody


An SUV plowed through police lines and hit more than 20 people at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

The incident was captured by cell phone footage as well as the city’s livestream of the event.

The city, approximately 55 miles from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was celebrating its annual Christmas celebration featuring a parade with cheerleaders and a marching band.

“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul on Twitter.

Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson did not give a specific number of victims but confirmed the car had been taken into police custody. He added that after the car broke the barrier, one police officer fired at the vehicle but it is not known if the driver was hit. Gunshots were heard in the recordings of the incident.

The red SUV hit members of the marching band before speeding away. Intense panic followed as the crowd screamed and rushed from the sidewalks.

Witnesses reported the driver of the SUV fired gunshots as they left a trail of destruction,” per The New York Post.

At least 11 adults and 12 children were transported to the hospital from the scene, according to a statement from Fire Chief Steven Howard.

Police have taken 39-year-old Darrell Brooks Jr. after an ID with his name inside the red Ford Escape believed to be the vehicle involved.

Brooks and his car were identified online in a music video on his YouTube channel, where he performs under the name MathBoi Fly. Records indicate Brooks was arrested on Nov. 2 and posted bond on Nov. 11.

“Brooks’ exact alleged connection to the parade incident is not known. Authorities have not released the names of any suspects,” reports Heavy.com. “The police chief said in a late-night news conference that police have a ‘person of interest.’ He did not name that person. Brooks is not listed in the Waukesha County Jail database.”

By the evening of Nov. 22, the City of Waukesha confirmed that five people had died and at least 40 were injured.

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