Authorities in Waukesha continue the investigation into a deadly crash Sunday at the city’s Christmas parade. Waukesha Police say around 4:39 PM an SUV ran through a barricade at the intersection of Gasper Avenue and Main Street directly behind and into the path of the parade. Eleven adults and 12 children were struck by that vehicle and taken to six local hospitals. There were an undisclosed number of people killed. Police Chief Daniel Thompson says a police officer used deadly force in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
“An officer did discharge his weapon at the suspect vehicle in an attempt to stop the vehicle,” Chief Thompson said at a Sunday evening news conference. “No bystanders were injured as a result of the discharge. The officer involved has been with the department for six and a half-years.”
One police officer was injured in the incident. Police found the vehicle a short time later and took a person of interest into custody.
Waukesha Fire Chief Steven Howard says his department had a fire truck in the parade at the time of the incident and immediately rendered assistance.
“We heard radio traffic and immediately responded from five of our stations, ” Chief Howard said at the same news conference. “We received assistance not only from our five fire stations with all personnel on duty but from approximately but from approximately 12 other fire departments.
Also in attendence at the parade was Wausha Mayor Shawn Reilly, who recalled seeing the annual community event with smiling children and families quickly turn tragic.
“My heart goes out to those injured as well as their families, ” Mayor Reilly said. “My heart goes out to those who were witness to these events. My heart goes out to those who lost a loved one tonight.”
