An SUV plowed into a holiday parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Sunday, killing “some” people and injuring numerous others, authorities said. Videos of the incident posted on social media showed a red SUV speeding around the parade marchers and eventually hitting a group of participants.
At a press conference Sunday night, Police Chief Dan Thompson said the SUV was located and a person of interest was in custody.
One law enforcement official with knowledge of the situation told CBS News the preliminary information was that the suspect was fleeing another scene — possibly a knife fight — when he ran into the people at the parade, and the incident didn’t appear to be an act of terrorism “at this time.”
Thompson said earlier it wasn’t known if the incident was linked to terrorism.
The FBI is assisting local authorities, who are leading the investigation.
The exact number of deaths and injuries wasn’t given, since families were being notified. Thompson said more than 20 people were struck by the SUV. Waukesha Fire Chief Steve Howard said his department brought 11 adults and 12 “pediatric patients” to six different hospitals. Earlier in the evening, Thompson called the scene “chaotic” and said some victims were taken to hospitals by police while others were taken by family members.
The Aurora Medical Center said it was treating 13 patients, three of whom were in critical condition. Children’s Wisconsin Hospital said it was treating 15 patients from the incident.
The Milwaukee Archdiocese tweeted that one of its priests was injured “as well as multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic school children.”
Thompson said Sunday night that an officer fired at the SUV to try to stop the suspect. There were no reports of bystanders being wounded by that gunfire and police didn’t believe any shots were fired from the SUV.
The Waukesha School District said public schools will be closed Monday but counseling services will be offered at all of them.
A family reception center was set up at Waukesha South High School.
Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly called the incident a “horrible, senseless tragedy.”
“My heart goes out to those injured as well as to their families,” Reilly said. “My heart goes out to those who are witness to these events. My heart goes out to those who lost a loved one tonight.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers tweeted that he and his wife “are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act. I’m grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help, and we are in contact with local partners as we await more information.”
Waukesha is about 15 miles west of Milwaukee.
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