Man Charged After Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy Which Left Five Dead
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Police have charged a man after a car ploughed into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday, killing at five.
Darrell Brooks, 39, was taken into custody by Waukesha police and has since been charged with five counts of intentional homicide, CBS reports.
The suspect was taken into custody after an officer opened fire in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
Brooks has been charged with 'intentional homicide', which is legally the same as first-degree murder and carries a life sentence, if found guilty.
Police Chief Dan Thompson identified those killed as women aged 79, 71, 52 and 52, and an 81-year-old man.
Speaking shortly after the tragedy, Thompson said there was 'no evidence this is a terrorist incident'.
He added: "We are confident he acted alone."
Shocking footage from the incident showed a red SUV driving through the parade route at speed.
Angela O'Boyle witnessed the tragedy unfold from her balcony and told CNN it was terrifying to hear everyone screaming.
"The next thing I heard were screams and turned my head and saw the car come and plow into the band that was just pass my balcony at that point," she said.
"It hit at least two people right away and rolled over them. And then continued down the road to People's Park, which is at the end of the block - and then kept going, it didn't stop."
"It was not something that I wanted to see."
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow was participating in the parade with his wife when he noticed the police sirens.
In a statement, he said: "This is an unspeakable tragedy, affecting us all as we work to overcome an extremely challenging two years and resume our cherished holiday traditions.
"Keep the families affected in your thoughts as we work to offer whatever support we can.
"I have been in contact with Mayor Reilly and offered any resources the county could provide. I have also spoken with the Governor who offers his prayers and assistance.
"Right now, we are still learning about what happened. This is an active investigation, and all updates tonight will come from our law enforcement partners.
"I had just finished participating in the parade with my wife when I noticed police sirens. Shortly afterward, I learned that a vehicle drove through the parade route injuring many people. Please pray for our community tonight after the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas Parade."
Featured Image Credit: City of Waukesha/Facebook
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