Police identify alleged SUV driver that crashed into Wisconsin parade

The Waukesha, Wis., Police Department on Monday identified the alleged driver of the SUV that plowed into a parade on Sunday as 39-year-old Darrell E. Brooks.

Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson while speaking at a press conference alleged that Brooks was behind the wheel of a maroon SUV and was allegedly involved in a domestic disturbance just minutes prior to driving into the crowd. He fled the scene of the domestic violence incident just before police arrived, according to Thompson.

He added that Brooks drove through the barricades that were put up.

Thompson said that Brooks will be charged with five counts of intentional first degree homicide and that there is no evidence that it was a terrorist incident. 

“We have information that the suspect prior to the incident was involved in a domestic disturbance which was just minutes prior and the suspect left that scene just prior to our arrival to that domestic disturbance,” the chief said.

He added that there was “some kind of disturbance” between the suspect and another individual.

However, Thompson emphasized that the investigation is “fluid” and said the police were not able to respond to the disturbance call before Brooks allegedly drove through the crowd.

He added that the initial complaint indicated that there was an alleged knife at the scene of the domestic disturbance between Brooks and another individual.

“Do we know if there actually was one [knife] there? We don’t know,” Thompson added.

Thompson said that officers immediately identified the alleged suspect’s vehicle after it drove through the crowd and shortly after that apprehended Brooks.

He had no injuries when he was taken into custody.

He said he “does not want to jeopardize the integrity of the investigation” and that more information will be released later.

Thompson also provided an update on the number of people injured, 48, when the SUV ran into a crowd. Two of the injured are children that remain in critical condition, he added.

He revealed that the deceased victims were aged between 52 to 81 years.

Brooks was released from jail Friday on charges stemming from a previous incident. In that case, filed Nov. 5, Brooks was charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery, according to The Washington Post.

He added that the district attorney is reviewing why the driver was free on bail following the November incident.

Updated at 3:06 p.m.