The man who drove a SUV into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wis. on Sunday night was trying to escape a knife fight.
Four senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that the incident may have transpired when a knife fight or stabbing occurred and then the person of interest in custody fled.
Sources said the driver may have “a significant criminal history.”
The officials said that they were considering seeking out more people involved in the fight for more information.
Around 4:30 p.m on Sunday, a red SUV broke through the barriers and plowed though the parade. One witness told WISN12 News that a group called The Dancing Grannies were among those hit by the car, with at least four members on the ground in front of their family. Members of another marching band were also struck.
Police said that at least five people were killed, and at least 40 injured.
