WAUKESHA, Wis. — A Milwaukee man is in custody after police said he drove an SUV through a Wisconsin Christmas parade Sunday evening, leaving at least five people dead and 48 injured.
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson identified the man as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks and said they are recommending five counts of intentional first-degree homicide and anticipates additional charges. Brooks’ initial court appearance is scheduled for 4 p.m. CST Tuesday.
Online court records show on Nov. 5, Brooks was charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show his $1,000 cash bond was posted Friday, Nov. 19.
Hundreds of people gathered at Cutler Park in downtown Waukesha on Monday night to honor the people who lost their lives and were injured in the crash.
At 4:39 p.m. CST Sunday, a red SUV was seen breaking through police barriers and speeding into the roadway where the parade was taking place. The SUV that was seen speeding through the parade was recovered near the scene.
The Waukesha Christmas Parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event, the 59th, had the theme of “Comfort and joy.”
Four women and one man died Sunday at the Waukesha Christmas Parade. The victims are: Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
Medical officials from the Children’s Wisconsin Hospital-Milwaukee said at least six children injured in Wisconsin parade crash are listed in critical condition, three others in serious condition. Two of the 18 children they are treating have been discharged. There are also three sets of siblings being cared for at their location.
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