Camilla Jessen
Michigan mother ran over at least 10 people and struck multiple cars before attempting to bite and kick police.
Rachele Ricklefs is facing 18 felony charges after allegedly striking at least 10 people, multiple cars, and even police vehicles.
A Friday Night in Michigan
Investigators in Macomb County are piecing together what led to a chaotic string of hit-and-run incidents on Friday, Sept. 26.
Police allege that 32-year-old Rachele Ricklefs drove into pedestrians and vehicles across several locations, leaving 11 people injured.
Her two young children — a 12-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl — were in the car throughout the ordeal.
18 Felony Charges Filed
On Monday, prosecutors announced Ricklefs faces 18 felony charges, including 10 counts of intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing police, damaging police and fire vehicles, assaulting an officer, and misdemeanor child abuse.
“The allegations in this case [are] shocking and deeply disturbing,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a press release.
The Night Begins With a Cyclist
According to The Detroit Free Press and local outlets FOX 2 and WDIV, the spree began around 8 p.m. when Ricklefs allegedly struck a cyclist with her Jeep and fled the scene.
Less than two hours later, police caught up with her, but the encounter escalated rapidly.
Clashes With Police Vehicles
Officers said Ricklefs put her Jeep in reverse, ramming their patrol car before fleeing.
She soon returned, hitting another squad car and narrowly missing an officer who managed to leap out of the way.
Her son was reportedly able to jump from the vehicle during this period, but her younger daughter remained inside.
More Pedestrians Struck
By around 10 p.m., Ricklefs allegedly struck another pedestrian, then swerved off the road onto the grass to hit two more.
She later drove into a Walmart parking lot, where she attempted to run over additional pedestrians before hitting a store employee.
Final Confrontation With Police
Police say Ricklefs continued her spree, hitting two more people and striking several squad cars before she was finally stopped just after 11 p.m.
Even then, she allegedly resisted arrest, attempting to kick and bite officers as they restrained her.
“Very, Very Bizarre” Case
All 10 victims are reportedly in stable condition, and both of Ricklefs’ children were unharmed.
Warren Police Department Lt. John Gajewski described the case as “very, very bizarre” and emphasized: “It’s a miracle we are not talking about multiple fatalities here.”
Next Steps in Court
Ricklefs’ bond has been set at $750,000.
If released, she will be placed under house arrest and fitted with a GPS monitor.
Police believe she may have been experiencing a mental health crisis during the incident, but the motive remains unclear.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
