Alexandra Ulmer, Eric Beech and Cheney Orr

WAUKESHA WIS. (Reuters). A speeding SUV plowed into dozens during a Christmas parade. It left a trail of destruction and chaos that saw at least five dead and more than 40 injured.

The Chief of Police Dan Thompson stated that one person had been taken into custody. He also said that a vehicle used for sport was recovered following the incident at Waukesha. This is about twenty miles west (32 kilometers) from Milwaukee. According to authorities, the death and injury figures could fluctuate.

CNN reports that the suspect was fleeing from another incident, as the vehicle drove along the parade route. CNN cited law enforcement sources. CNN was told by sources that although the investigation was still early, authorities did not find any evidence linking the vehicle to terrorist acts.

CNN reports that the incident appeared unrelated to the not guilty verdict on Friday in Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial. Rittenhouse was accused of the shooting deaths of two men, and wounding one more, during protests for racial justice in Kenosha.

An online video shows a red utility vehicle speeding alongside and entering the parade. It appears to have run over several dozen people, before crowds fled to assist.

Thompson claimed that an officer opened fire on the car to end the chaos. A second video posted on social media showed police shooting at the car as it crashed into street barriers. Thompson stated that police did not believe the car had fired shots, contrary to previous reports.

Jodi Singsime (42-year-old Nurse) took refuge in a grocery store with family members, before she went out to aid the injured.

She stated that she heard and observed the victims being hit but could not do anything more than hearing. “That sound was just insane.”

Her description of a little boy crossing the road made her choke up.

“I checked his pulse and felt his neck. His eyes weren’t open. I don’t remember much except that his innocent, sweet face was pink. He was not really there with us.”

A family from another family was planning to participate in the parade along with their Catholic Church, however Belen Santamaria (a factory worker at 39 years old) woke up Sunday morning with back pain. The family instead watched the procession on the sidewalk.

She stated, “The SUV drove by at maximum speed.” “Then I began to hear people screaming.”

While her three-year old daughter hid in the restaurant, her 39-year-old husband Jesus Ochoa ran for help. According to him, he had heard from other church members that approximately 10 children and adults were hurt.

Santamaria stated, “I was going there, walking.” “The SUV could have also hit us,” Santamaria stated.

‘DANCING GRANNIES’

Milwaukee’s Fox6 TV reported that another woman said the SUV had struck a team of young dancers between 9-15 years old. On social media, small groups were seen surrounding the injured girls wearing white pompoms.

A group of dancing grandmothers was among those who were victims, according to Facebook statements (NASDAQ:).

“Those who lost their lives were very passionate Grannies. Their faces were full …..(of the joy that comes with being a Grandnnie. The statement was posted to the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies’ Facebook page. “We feel heavy during this difficult time. More information will come as it becomes available.

A picture was later posted by the local CBS affiliate on Twitter (NYSE.) that showed what appeared to have been the red SUV, with its hood ripped and front fender sticking out. The vehicle had been parked in an area driveway.

Jen Psaki, spokesperson for the White House, stated that President Joe Biden was briefed about the “tragic condition” and federal officials offered assistance.

She posted on Twitter Monday, “Our hearts are for the families and all of the community.”

Twitter shared photos and videos showing Waukesha police cars and ambulances crowded a street lit up with Christmas lights. The incident occurred just after 4:30 PM (2230 GMT). As dusk approached, people huddled together on the sidewalks in cold weather.

Children’s Wisconsin Hospital reported that it had treated 15 patients by 8:05 p.m. and there were no fatalities.

According to the superintendent of schools, school will not be open on Monday. Additional counselors will also be available.

A woman who was driving into the crowd to watch a homecoming parade in Stillwater for her football team, 2015 saw four deaths and 46 injuries.