The suspect who is charged with driving his car into a Waukesha, WI, killing five people and injuring 48 reportedly was fleeing the scene of a knife fight.
Darrell E. Brooks, Jr., 39, was at the scene of a reported knife fight, then sped away in the red SUV when police arrived at that scene, a police source told the Washington Post. Brooks was allegedly behind the wheel when that SUV drove into the parade route Sunday. Authorities identified Brooks as the “lone subject” during a Monday afternoon news conference, adding he “drove right through the barricades and the officers” at the scene.
Police are referring five counts of first-degree intentional homicide, with additional charges possible “based on the investigation. But those will come in time,” Thompson said during a Monday afternoon news conference.
He said 48 people were injured, including 2 children in critical condition — but that number could still rise.
Officials did not comment on a possible motive. The FBI said it was assisting local authorities in the investigation.
