Anthony Yates
A mom from Michigan allegedly struck at least 11 people in her car while her 6-year-old was in the vehicle with her. Authorities believe it was intentional.
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What happened: According to a news release by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities arraigned 30-year-old Rachele Ricklefs on 18 felonies earlier this week.
- Warren Police responded to multiple calls, stating that someone had collided with pedestrians in a black Jeep on September 26. Ricklefs was allegedly the driver, and she had her 6-year-old daughter with her.
- The news release claims that Ricklefs “intentionally drove her vehicle into 10 individuals and one police officer.” Authorities note that there are additional victims, although they remain unidentified.
- Officers ultimately stopped Ricklefs in a Walmart parking lot and claimed she hit two more people loading shopping into their vehicles. Authorities in Clawson reported an incident involving the mom earlier that evening. The Prosecutor’s Office reveals Ricklefs’s 12-year-old son was also with her, but escaped from the Jeep.
- The mom allegedly fled the scene in Clawson, striking two more police officers.
The Michigan Mom May Have Experienced A Mental Health Episode
Resisting arrest: A report by the Detroit Free Press shares more details about the incident. Ricklefs allegedly struck a cyclist first at around 8:15 PM. The outlet explains that Clawson Police reported that the mom was experiencing a mental health episode at 9:45 PM.
- Witnesses at the Walmart reportedly claimed that Ricklefs intentionally ran over an employee. Authorities arrested her after she hit two more pedestrians and their vehicles.
- The Prosecutor’s Office news release describes that the mom resisted arrest. Per the Detroit Free Press, she attempted to bite and kick officers as they arrested her. Despite the number of collisions, the police reportedly said that Ricklef’s victims are all in a stable condition. Her daughter was also unharmed.
- “The allegations in this case are shocking and deeply disturbing,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido reportedly said. “Our office is committed to pursuing this case to the fullest extent of the law to ensure justice is served.”
- Rickelfs faces numerous charges, including 10 counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and two counts of Malicious Destruction of Personal Property.
A judge set the mom’s bond at $750,000. She must wear a GPS tether and remain on house arrest if she posts bail. Per the Detroit Free Press, Ricklefs pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is next due in court on October 10.
