WAUKESHA — Five people were killed and more than 40 others injured Sunday when an SUV plowed into a crowded Christmas parade in Waukesha.
The death toll and number of those injured continued to rise overnight as officials began to piece together what happened at the horrific incident at the community’s annual kickoff to the holidays.
Kaukauna Mayor Tony Penterman posted support for the community of Waukesha Sunday evening on social media.
“Kaukauna stands with Waukesha tonight. Thinking of everyone involved and praying for the best,” he wrote.
Main street in Waukesha is closed until midday Monday, according to a post on the city of Waukesha’s Twitter account.
Carroll University and all Waukesha schools also are closed.
Businesses in this area should remain closed as entry and exit from Main Street will not be allowed. When the area is open, the City is requesting that any items for a temporary memorial be placed at Veterans Park.
Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson in a Sunday evening news conference said that a red SUV drove through parade barricades shortly after 4:30 p.m., striking multiple participants in the parade as well as spectators.
Thompson said an officer fired shots to stop the vehicle, however he did not believe any shots came from the vehicle.
The SUV has since been located and a person of interest is currently in custody.
Waukesha Fire Chief Dean Lemke said the department was at the parade and inititated a mass casulty protocol when the calls started to come in.
Twelve children and 11 adults were taken by ambulance to area hospitals, however the police chief said earlier that victims were also taken to hospitals by officers, family and friends.
In a livestream of the parade from the city of Waukesha shows a red SUV driving quickly through the scene shortly before the incident.
Gov. Tony Evers tweeted that he is in contact with local officials.
Kathy and I are praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act. I’m grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help, and we are in contact with local partners as we await more information.
-Gov. Tony Evers
This story will be updated as more information is released.
