Wisconsin Parade Crash Update: Driver Faces Intentional Homicide Charges After 5 Dead, 48 Injured
A Wisconsin driver was arrested Monday for driving an SUV into crowds at the Waukesha Christmas parade on Sunday, killing five people and injuring 48. The driver was fleeing a domestic fight during the crash, according to police.
Darrell E. Brooks, 39, will face five counts of intentional homicide, Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson told reporters. If convicted Brooks could face life in prison.
The victims in the crash have been identified as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
Police ruled out the crash was an act of terrorism.
Brooks was involved in a domestic abuse incident that involved a knife before the parade crash.
"Was there an initial complaint of a knife being involved? Yes," Thompson said. "Do we know if there actually was one there? We don’t know because we didn’t even make it there. We ended up immediately responding to the crisis."
Brooks was taken into custody following the crash.
“We’re confident he acted alone,” Thompson said of Brooks. “We have no information that Brooks knew anybody in the parade."
According to court records, Brooks had previously been charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, bail jumping recklessly, endangering safety, disorderly conduct and battery. He has been charged with 10 crimes since 1999.
The parade is a popular event in the city, which is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Many first responders were at the parade and were able to help the victims.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.