Investigators probing if Wisconsin parade crash driver was fleeing crime

A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.

Investigators are examining whether the SUV’s driver may have been fleeing from a crime when he crashed into the paradegoers, a law enforcement official briefed on the matter tells The Associated Press. The investigators were questioning the person in custody about that incident, which the official described as an altercation involving a knife.

The official, who cautions the investigation is still in the early stages and is continuing to develop, cannot discuss the investigation publicly and speaks to the AP on condition of anonymity.