Tag Archives: waukesha

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Waukesha parade news latest: Suspect Darrell Brooks identified after deadly attack

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Waukesha: SUV speeds past Christmas parade before hitting crowd

New details continue to emerge about the moment a driver rammed into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Sunday evening, killing at least five people and injuring 40 others.

Darrell Brooks, 39, was identified as the driver by multiple media outlets including the Associated Press and NBC News on Monday morning.

Police chief Dan Thompson said one person of interest was taken into custody shortly after the attack on Sunday. He declined to name the man and said it was unclear whether the incident had any connection to terrorism.

Video footage showed a red SUV barrelling at high speed into band members and cheerleaders marching in close formation, striking multiple people and scattering the crowd.

Witnesses described the “horrifying” incident and said the “calm” driver was “going from side to side, targeting people”.

The police chief did not believe the SUV driver had fired a weapon following early reports of gunshots. He said that one officer had fired at the vehicle in an attempt to stop it.

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Vigil to be held for victims

A vigil in honour of the victims of the Christmas parade attack is scheduled to be held on Monday night.

It will take place at 5pm CT at Cutler Park, hosted by the Association of Waukesha Congregations.

More details available here.

(David Simmons / Facebook)

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 16:35

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Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin treated 18 injured kids

The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on Monday confirmed it has treated 18 kids injured in the Christmas parade crash.

Hospital officials are slated to hold a press conference about the tragedy at 11am CT.

Authorities have said at least five people were killed and 40 others injured when a car plowed into the parade on Sunday night. They did not specify which victims were children.

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 16:22

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Trump releases statement on tragedy

Former President Donald Trump released a statement about the Waukesha tragedy on Monday morning, calling it “devastating, horrible and very very sick”.

“My heart goes out to the people of this great, beautiful, and hardworking community,” he wrote.

“We must find answers to this terrible crime, and stop these violent and depraved acts from happening again. I am with you Waukesha, and always will be!”

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 16:10

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WATCH: Horrifying video shows car plowing into crowd

Terrifying footage captured the moment a red SUV barrelled down the parade route before striking dozens of people.

In the video, the car is seen traveling at a high speed behind a high school band and passing rows of cheerleaders waving flags.

Seconds later, witnesses are seen reacting in horror as a police officer rushes in the direction of the car.

Waukesha: SUV speeds past Christmas parade before hitting crowd

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 15:50

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Suspected driver ‘has lengthy criminal history’

Darrell Brooks, the man suspected of plowing his car into the parade, boasts a lengthy rap sheet, according to reports.

He was released from jail on $1,000 bail just two days before Sunday’s crash, per Milwaukee County court records.

The records show he was arrested on 5 November on charges of domestic abuse, resisting an officer, and second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Mr Brooks has another open felony case for second-degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon from July 2020.

He has convictions dating back to 1999, according to Wisconsin court records.

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 15:30

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Suspected driver identified as Darrell E Brooks

The man suspected of plowing his car into crowds at Waukesha’s Christmas parade has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell E Brooks of Wisconsin.

Mr Brooks, 39, was named on Monday morning by multiple news outlets, including NBC News and the Associated Press. Waukesha Police have yet to issue an official confirmation.

Police have said a man was taken into custody for questioning as a person of interest shortly after the attack on Sunday.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 15:13

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What we know about the parade crash driver

The man has not been officially named as of 10am ET Monday.

Local police chief Dan Thompson said in a press conference that his department had detained the suspected driver and seized the red Ford Escape but that he did not yet know whether the driver’s actions had any connection to terrorism.

Witnesses described the car as having accelerated along the parade route and “going from side to side, targeting people”.

The Independent’s Joe Sommerlad explains everything we know about the suspect so far:

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 15:00

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Community fund set up for victims of crash

The City of Waukesha has announced a fundraiser for victims of Sunday’s deadly parade crash.

The “United for Waukesha Community Fund” is a joint effort by the Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way.

Donations can be made here.

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 14:40

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Man who crashed into parade ‘may have been fleeing knife fight’

The man who plowed into Waukesha’s Christmas parade on Sunday may have been fleeing from the scene of another incident, law enforcement sources told CNN.

The sources cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages.

They said investigators have yet to find any links to international or domestic terrorism, or to the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict in Kenosha on Friday.

A person of interest in the crash was taken into custody but his name has not been released by police.

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 14:20

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Milwaukee Dancing Grannies members among the dead

Members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies were among the victims killed on Sunday, the group confirmed in a Facebook post.

“The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devastated by this terrible tragedy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade,” the group wrote early Monday.

“Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts.

“Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed…..joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue….held us together.

“Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted . Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and everyone who lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.”

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

Megan Sheets22 November 2021 14:00

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US

Waukesha Christmas parade: Suspect may have been fleeing another incident, authorities say

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There are indications the Waukesha suspect was fleeing another incident when he drove into the parade route, according to multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the preliminary investigation findings.

Witnesses described the horror of seeing people struck and lying on the ground after a red SUV drove through a series of barricades and barreled into the crowded parade route on Main Street around 4:39 p.m. local time.

On Monday morning, the belongings of paradegoers were still strewn across the scene as authorities try to confirm what led up to the calamity.

Police Chief Daniel P. Thompson said officers are working with the Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office to identify victims.

Thompson said there is “a person of interest in custody,” but would not say whether it was the driver of the SUV nor if any arrests have been made.

“This is still a very fluid investigation,” the chief told reporters Sunday night. He said children are among the injured.

A Waukesha police officer opened fire to try to stop the driver, and no bystanders were struck by the officer’s gunfire, the chief said. Thompson added he doesn’t believe any shots were fired from the vehicle.

“The scene is now safe and secure,” Thompson said.

At least several of those hospitalized were in critical condition

Aurora Medical Center-Summit, a hospital in Waukesha County, said it was treating 13 patients as of Sunday night: three listed in critical condition, four in serious condition and six in fair condition. “We are deeply saddened by today’s senseless tragedy and our hearts are with the Waukesha community,” the hospital said in a statement.

Children’s Wisconsin, a pediatric hospital in Milwaukee, said it was treating 15 patients who were hurt, with no reported fatalities as of Sunday night. Waukesha is about 20 miles west of downtown Milwaukee.

Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee — the only Level I trauma center in southeast Wisconsin — said it was also treating patients from the parade incident but is not providing a specific number nor conditions. Level I trauma centers typically care for the most critically ill patients.

Witnesses describe a joyous night that ended in tragedy

A video obtained by CNN shows the moment the vehicle struck pedestrians. A red SUV is seen hitting an individual participating in a marching band, then the vehicle continues forward, hitting and running over others in the band and crowd before driving away.

Angela O’Boyle, who lives in an apartment on the fifth floor which overlooks the parade route, told CNN she was on the balcony watching when “the next thing I heard were screams, and turned my head and saw the car come and plow into the band that was just past my balcony at that point.

“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.”

Boyle said she heard screaming and people yelling out their children’s names, adding “it was not something that I wanted to see … a little freaked out.”

Kaylee Staral, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel intern who witnessed the incident, said “probably around 20 to 30 minutes into the parade, a red SUV came running down the middle of the street — there were a lot of screams — and we almost thought maybe it was Santa, but it was a red SUV and it hit a lot of people.”

Staral went on to say “there were multiple people on the ground.”

In her description into those injured, Staral said “right in front of me in the little spot where I was sitting, probably four people were down, so there were a lot of people that ran to go check on them. I believe that the four people in front of me were still breathing but they were down, they were not moving.”

Schools closed as a community mourns

Roads in the area will remain closed for at least 24 hours, Thompson said. Businesses along the roadway where the incident took place should remain closed Monday, city officials said.

Waukesha police had sent a push alert to cell phones in the area after the incident, asking those “within a 1/2 mile radius of the 5 points downtown” to immediately shelter in place. The alert is no longer in effect, Thompson said.

The School District of Waukesha canceled classes on Monday, according to the school district, and will determine if classes will resume Tuesday.

“The District will have additional counselors available during the school day at all buildings for all students that may be in need of support services,” school officials said in a statement.

Waukesha County executive Paul Farrow said he “had just finished participating in the parade with my wife when I noticed police sirens.” Farrow asked for prayers for the community and said he has been in touch with Mayor Shawn Reilly and Gov. Tony Evers.

The governor said on Twitter, “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.”

Waukesha alderman Don Paul Browne told CNN he was marching in the front of the parade and was out before the incident, saying “this is so sad and so senseless.”

The White House is in touch with state and local officials, according to a White House official, and President Joe Biden has been briefed.

“The White House is closely monitoring the situation in Waukesha and our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this terrible incident,” a White House official said. “We have reached out to state and local officials to offer any support and assistance as needed.”

CNN’s Shimon Prokupecz, Evan Perez, Alaa Elassar, Natasha Chen, Andy Rose, Arlette Saenz, Conor Powell and Evan Perez contributed to this report.



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Business

CBD store raided; Waukesha County sheriff investigates after two kids overdose

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Menomonee Falls police and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department raided a CBD store in Menomonee Falls on Tuesday. In a release, the Sheriff’s Department said it started investigating Superstar Buds after a non-fatal overdose involving two small children from a product their parent said was from the store.The store owner tells 12 News he was unaware of the overdose and keeps all of his products in child-proof containers.The release also states the department tested several products, and some contained THC levels around 20%. The legal limit in Wisconsin is 0.3%. Superstar Buds is licensed under the Department of Agriculture Hemp Program. The owner tells 12 News discrepancies or concerns with THC levels goes through the department through that Hemp Program. He said he did not hear from the department but instead was raided by dozens of officers at his store and home.“They skipped over the department of agriculture,” he told 12 News. “As us being a member of the program, we’re protected by the department of agriculture program, where if we have a product that tests over the limit it is the department of agriculture’s job to remedy the situation, meaning they contact us, they let us know our product tested over the limit, they give us the chance to remove the product, we remove the product, we comply.” The raid caused more than $100,000 worth of damage to his inventory. The shop is in shambles. Several customers stopped by while 12 News was there. They asked how they could help, and set up a GoFundMe to rebuild the store and help with legal fees.The owner faces five felonies.“We’ve never had any issues. We’ve been in good standing,” said the owner. “To us, it felt like you’re being stabbed in the heart with a knife.” He said it’s hard for him to believe that all of the products they took had THC levels above 0.3%. He explained that while he processes some of his own products, he also buys from suppliers. He said each purchase and process goes through a certificate of analysis from each supplier that shows the amount of THC per product.“As a hemp processor there is a certain amount of trust that we are putting into our sources,” he said.The Waukesha County sheriff did not confirm if the samples taken from the search warrant have heightened THC levels. The release indicated those samples, at this time, are believed to have illegal amounts of Delta-9 THC.The owner said he believes all his products are compliant and hopes he can continue his business for his customers that use product for chronic pain.The Sheriff’s Department will turn the evidence over to the District Attorney.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. —

Menomonee Falls police and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department raided a CBD store in Menomonee Falls on Tuesday.

In a release, the Sheriff’s Department said it started investigating Superstar Buds after a non-fatal overdose involving two small children from a product their parent said was from the store.

The store owner tells 12 News he was unaware of the overdose and keeps all of his products in child-proof containers.

The release also states the department tested several products, and some contained THC levels around 20%. The legal limit in Wisconsin is 0.3%.

Superstar Buds is licensed under the Department of Agriculture Hemp Program. The owner tells 12 News discrepancies or concerns with THC levels goes through the department through that Hemp Program. He said he did not hear from the department but instead was raided by dozens of officers at his store and home.

“They skipped over the department of agriculture,” he told 12 News. “As us being a member of the program, we’re protected by the department of agriculture program, where if we have a product that tests over the limit it is the department of agriculture’s job to remedy the situation, meaning they contact us, they let us know our product tested over the limit, they give us the chance to remove the product, we remove the product, we comply.”

The raid caused more than $100,000 worth of damage to his inventory. The shop is in shambles. Several customers stopped by while 12 News was there. They asked how they could help, and set up a GoFundMe to rebuild the store and help with legal fees.

The owner faces five felonies.

“We’ve never had any issues. We’ve been in good standing,” said the owner. “To us, it felt like you’re being stabbed in the heart with a knife.”

He said it’s hard for him to believe that all of the products they took had THC levels above 0.3%. He explained that while he processes some of his own products, he also buys from suppliers. He said each purchase and process goes through a certificate of analysis from each supplier that shows the amount of THC per product.

“As a hemp processor there is a certain amount of trust that we are putting into our sources,” he said.

The Waukesha County sheriff did not confirm if the samples taken from the search warrant have heightened THC levels. The release indicated those samples, at this time, are believed to have illegal amounts of Delta-9 THC.

The owner said he believes all his products are compliant and hopes he can continue his business for his customers that use product for chronic pain.

The Sheriff’s Department will turn the evidence over to the District Attorney.

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Health

Wisconsin accelerates opening vaccines for medical conditions

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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Tuesday it will accelerate opening COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to residents age 16 and older with certain medical conditions.Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinGov. Tony Evers announced the next group will now be eligible for the vaccine beginning March 22.The original date, announced last week, was March 29.”Our vaccinators across the state are doing great work to get folks vaccinated and get this done, and because of their good work, Wisconsin continues to be a national leader in getting shots in arms,” Evers said. “Moving up eligibility for this critical group will help us get over the finish line and sooner, and get us back to our Wisconsin way of life.”This eligibility group includes individuals with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Based on the recent and anticipated increases in vaccine availability, the DHS said it anticipates the general public will be eligible for the vaccine beginning May 1. The decision to expand eligibility to include individuals with certain medical conditions aligns with recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and was informed by work by the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee and guidance from medical experts in DHS.The CDC’s recommendations reflect the best available evidence on conditions that are known to make individuals more vulnerable to severe complications due to COVID-19.The next eligibility group includes individuals age 16 and over with the following medical conditions:Asthma (moderate-to-severe)CancerCerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)Chronic kidney diseaseCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)Cystic fibrosisDown syndromeHeart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathiesHypertension or high blood pressureImmunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other immune weakening medicinesLiver diseaseNeurologic conditions, such as dementiaObesity (body mass index of 30-39 kg/m2)Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2)PregnancyPulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more)Sickle cell diseaseType 1 or 2 diabetes mellitusThalassemia (a type of blood disorder)Due to the limited supply of vaccine and with this next eligible group likely adding more than 2 million individuals in Wisconsin eligible for the vaccine, providers may need to prioritize individuals within this population who are at higher risk. Officials also clarified that members of the clergy, restaurant workers and public safety workers, like judges, prosecutors and public defenders, were also included in the group.Essential healthcare workers, nursing home staff, police, firefighters, teachers, those 65 and older and others remain eligible to receive the vaccine.Those prioritized individuals include individuals with severe medical conditions, those with two or more conditions, older adults or those living in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The DHS said every community is different, but everyone in the group will be eligible for the vaccine. Some vaccinators may ask people to sign a form attesting to their illness while others may just take people at their word. The DHS said it will continue to monitor vaccination coverage statewide and partner with vaccine providers in order to provide an updated vaccination timeline for the general public.Individuals with the outlined medical conditions can access the vaccine through a variety of options, including community-based clinics, health care providers, local and tribal health departments and pharmacies. Wisconsinites with a primary care provider may hear directly from their provider. Visit the Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccine options page or call the toll-free vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 to learn more.In the meantime, officials said it was important to double down on ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 due to emerging strains of the virus. Wearing face masks, staying physically distant, washing hands and getting tested continue to be crucial tools for protecting communities against COVID-19. Individuals who are fully vaccinated can review recently released post-vaccination guidance on the DHS website. As of Monday, 23.1% of people in Wisconsin had received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 68% of people over age 65 had received at least one dose, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

MADISON, Wis. —

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Tuesday it will accelerate opening COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to residents age 16 and older with certain medical conditions.

Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers announced the next group will now be eligible for the vaccine beginning March 22.

The original date, announced last week, was March 29.

“Our vaccinators across the state are doing great work to get folks vaccinated and get this done, and because of their good work, Wisconsin continues to be a national leader in getting shots in arms,” Evers said. “Moving up eligibility for this critical group will help us get over the finish line and sooner, and get us back to our Wisconsin way of life.”

This eligibility group includes individuals with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Based on the recent and anticipated increases in vaccine availability, the DHS said it anticipates the general public will be eligible for the vaccine beginning May 1.

The decision to expand eligibility to include individuals with certain medical conditions aligns with recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and was informed by work by the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee and guidance from medical experts in DHS.

The CDC’s recommendations reflect the best available evidence on conditions that are known to make individuals more vulnerable to severe complications due to COVID-19.

The next eligibility group includes individuals age 16 and over with the following medical conditions:

  • Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
  • Cancer
  • Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Down syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other immune weakening medicines
  • Liver disease
  • Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
  • Obesity (body mass index of 30-39 kg/m2)
  • Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2)
  • Pregnancy
  • Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
  • Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more)
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

Due to the limited supply of vaccine and with this next eligible group likely adding more than 2 million individuals in Wisconsin eligible for the vaccine, providers may need to prioritize individuals within this population who are at higher risk.

Officials also clarified that members of the clergy, restaurant workers and public safety workers, like judges, prosecutors and public defenders, were also included in the group.

Essential healthcare workers, nursing home staff, police, firefighters, teachers, those 65 and older and others remain eligible to receive the vaccine.

Those prioritized individuals include individuals with severe medical conditions, those with two or more conditions, older adults or those living in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The DHS said every community is different, but everyone in the group will be eligible for the vaccine.

Some vaccinators may ask people to sign a form attesting to their illness while others may just take people at their word.

The DHS said it will continue to monitor vaccination coverage statewide and partner with vaccine providers in order to provide an updated vaccination timeline for the general public.

Individuals with the outlined medical conditions can access the vaccine through a variety of options, including community-based clinics, health care providers, local and tribal health departments and pharmacies.

Wisconsinites with a primary care provider may hear directly from their provider.

Visit the Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccine options page or call the toll-free vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 to learn more.

In the meantime, officials said it was important to double down on ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 due to emerging strains of the virus.

Wearing face masks, staying physically distant, washing hands and getting tested continue to be crucial tools for protecting communities against COVID-19.

Individuals who are fully vaccinated can review recently released post-vaccination guidance on the DHS website.

As of Monday, 23.1% of people in Wisconsin had received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 68% of people over age 65 had received at least one dose, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.
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