Michigan authorities are still piecing together what drove a mother of two to launch a chaotic hit-and-run rampage that left 11 people injured — all while her children were in the car. Officials are calling the ordeal “shocking and deeply disturbing.”
On Monday, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged 32-year-old Rachele Ricklefs with 18 felonies tied to the spree on Friday, September 26. The charges include 10 counts of intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assaulting a police officer, property damage, fleeing police, and misdemeanor child abuse.
Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement: “The allegations in this case [are] shocking and deeply disturbing. Our office is committed to pursuing this case to the fullest extent of the law to ensure justice is served.”
According to investigators, the ordeal began around 8 p.m. when Ricklefs allegedly struck a cyclist with her black Jeep and fled the scene. Her 12-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter were in the vehicle.
Less than two hours later, police stopped Ricklefs and believed she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. But the situation quickly spiraled — Ricklefs allegedly reversed into a patrol car, rammed another, and tried to run over an officer before taking off. At one point, her son managed to jump out of the car.
Over the next hour, she allegedly struck multiple pedestrians, drove onto sidewalks and grassy areas, and attempted to run over people outside a Walmart. Officials said she also hit a store employee and damaged several squad cars.
When police finally cornered her around 11 p.m., Ricklefs allegedly resisted arrest, biting and kicking officers before being subdued. Her two children were unharmed, and all 10 victims are said to be in stable condition.
“This case is very, very bizarre,” Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski told local reporters. “It’s a miracle we are not talking about multiple fatalities here.”
Ricklefs is being held on a $750,000 bond. If released, she will be placed on house arrest with a GPS monitor.
Stupidity personified
What is with these Michiganders’? Been in the news a lot these days – always know they were a little crazy in this State but it getting to be extreme.