(WAUKESHA, Wis.) — More than 20 people were injured when an SUV plowed into a Christmas parade in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha on Sunday, the city’s police chief said.
Chief Dan Thompson said the investigation is ongoing, but that a “suspect vehicle” was recovered. Thompson indicated that Thompson had said some victims were taken to the hospital by officers, and other were taken home with family members.
Waukesha police, which is located approximately 20 miles west from Milwaukee, urged people to stay away from the city’s downtown.
The parade’s live stream from Waukesha was captured by a video camera. Also, videos were taken by attendees. A red SUV accelerated into the street where it was being held.
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THIS IS BREAKING NEWS. AP’s earlier story follows below.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — An SUV sped into a Christmas parade in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha on Sunday, leaving multiple people injured, according to local officials and witnesses.
Waukesha police, which is located approximately 20 miles west from Milwaukee, urged people to stay away from the city’s downtown.
Live video from Waukesha showed the parade as it took place. Video taken by spectators also captured the red SUV speeding through obstacles and into the road where the parade was taking places. It’s unclear how many people were injured. According to police, they were unable to provide any details immediately but have scheduled a news conference for 7:30 pm CST.
WITI Milwaukee was informed by Shawn Reilly that he does not think there is any danger for the public. Paul Farrow from Waukesha told The Associated Press that multiple people were injured, although he didn’t know how many. Farrow attended the parade, but he left shortly before the incident. According to Farrow, he was returning home from the parade when he noticed responding police vehicles.
The SUV is seen striking members of the marching band, as well as others on the parade route. One video captures the SUV driving past them. Before the SUV arrives, the sounds of the marching band are replaced with screams.
Angelito Tenorio from West Allis, a West Allis Alderman, said to the AP that he watched the parade along with his family and saw an SUV speed into the area.
“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes crying.”
Tenorio stated that he witnessed about 10 people on the ground, both children and adults who seemed to have been struck by the vehicle.
“It just happened so fast,” he said. “It was pretty horrifying.”
