iStock(MOORE, Okla.) — Six high-school students were struck by a car in Moore, Oklahoma, Monday afternoon, leaving one dead and three in critical condition, according to police.
The suspect, who has now been identified as 57-year-old Max Leroy Townsend, was driving a red pickup truck when he crashed into multiple vehicles and students. Townsend, police said, did not stop after hitting the students, but was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Townsend’s 28-year-old son was killed Sunday in a car accident, the location of which was close to Monday’s scene, according to Moore Police Sgt. Jeremy Lewis.
Police took blood to determine if Townsend was intoxicated at the time of the incident, but they are still waiting for those results.
Members of the Moore High School cross country and track team were running on the sidewalk when they were struck, according to the school district. The victim that died at the scene has been identified as senior Rachel Freeman.
“This evening and as we move forward through this unthinkable tragedy – please keep our students, staff, and families in your thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences are with the Freeman family during this time,” the district said in a statement Monday night.
The school district said the other five students hit are still receiving medical attention.
At this time there is no known motive, police said.
Towsend, according to ABC Oklahoma City station KOCO-TV, has been arrested on complaints of first-degree manslaughter and six counts of leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Many students were the first to call 911 and help their fellow classmates, police said.
“We got special people that live and go to school here in Moore,” Dustin Horstkoetter, a director with the school district, said Monday at a press conference. “And to see kids and coaches giving first aid and helping their classmates and their students … we live a good community.”
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