Over 20 injured, including “a few fatalities,” in Waukesha Holiday Parade as vehicle passes marchers – CBS Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) – The Waukesha Holiday Parade area was evacuated after a vehicle crashed into the parade route, injuring more than 20 people and killing “a few”, police said.
Of the injured, 11 were adults and 12 were children. No information has been released on who or how many people were killed as police tried to brief families.
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Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said there was a person of interest in custody. He added that there were no other threats in the area.
From the city of #Waukeshathe Facebook page of:
Nothing visually graphic, but notice the moment you hear screams and see part of the crowd going off alarm
Looks like a possible cop running 10 seconds and several cop cars running a minute later@cbschicago pic.twitter.com/3srW5Y94He
– Marissa Parra (@MarParNews) 22 November 2021
Police said the driver of the vehicle walked through the barricades and went to the parade.
A graphic video posted online shows a red SUV entering the parade, hitting a number of people as they walked through the parade. Others can be seen running away and screaming as the SUV continues while others run to the aid of victims lying on the road.
“Today we have experienced a horrible, senseless tragedy,” said Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly. “My heart goes out to all who are touched by this senseless act. “
Photos released by CBS 58 show what appears to be the red SUV parked outside a house after the incident.
The photos appear to show the red SUV involved in the Waukesha Holiday Parade incident. Follow the updates here: https://t.co/sjcTvuk2Du pic.twitter.com/hfN0avE9Hp
– CBS 58 News (@ CBS58) 22 November 2021
The police chief confirmed that a “suspicious vehicle” had been found.
Another video posted to Twitter showed a number of small groups on the street providing assistance to injured people lying on the ground.
Thompson said some of the injured were taken by police to hospitals and others taken away by family members.
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Waukesha Police urge people to avoid the city center. CBS 2’s Marissa Parra noted a number of blocked streets in the area afterwards. Thompson said roads will remain closed in the area for 24 hours.
Here in #Waukesha
So many blocked streets – see map for reference @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/bOR2K0YYFO
– Marissa Parra (@MarParNews) 22 November 2021
LIVE PRESS: 8 p.m. CST
We will learn more about #waukesha incident in 20 min
Watch live here: https://t.co/dj3RH7d7Ey @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/3cy3aOsbnL
– Marissa Parra (@MarParNews) 22 November 2021
Witnesses initially said they heard gunshots during the incident. Police now confirm that the shots came from an officer. They do not believe anyone inside the vehicle fired the shots and say no passerby was injured.
Thompson said the officer who fired his gun had been in the department for 6.5 years.
“I could see children on the ground, small bodies in the street… I’m still in shock”
We just interviewed a #waukeshaChristmasParade witness. She says many of the injured wore parade costumes
To 10 @cbschicago live in #waukesha pic.twitter.com/gWAMjZCsCr
– Marissa Parra (@MarParNews) 22 November 2021
A witness at the parade described the scene, saying many of the injured were wearing parade costumes.
“I could see children on the ground, little bodies in the street. I am still shocked.
School is canceled Monday for the Waukesha School District for all students in grades 4 to 12, according to a letter sent by the district superintendent. Additional counselors will also be available during the school day in all buildings for students who need support.
A decision will be made regarding Tuesday during the day of Monday, the letter said.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee approached the tragedy with the following statement:
Our prayers are with those who were injured and killed in the tragic incident in Waukesha.
Among the injured are one of our Catholic priests, as well as several Catholic parishioners and schoolchildren in Waukesha.
Please join us in prayer for all involved, their families and those who are traumatized by witnessing this horrific scene.
Police plan to issue additional updates at a press conference at 1 p.m. Monday.
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Waukesha is located just west of Milwaukee.