The Waukesha Parade Suspect Was Out on Bail. Now the DA Is Probing How Bail Is Set

Low bail that led to the release of the man accused of driving an SUV through a downtown Christmas parade and killing six people here is prompting debates among lawmakers over bail policies in the state.

The suspect, 39-year-old Darrell Brooks, has a history of arrests. As recently as Nov. 5 he was charged with disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering safety after punching the mother of his child, then running her over with a vehicle, according to a complaint.

After posting $1,000 cash bail on Nov. 11, Mr. Brooks was released, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office said.

At a court hearing late Tuesday afternoon, a judge set bail at $5 million for Mr. Brooks, citing his criminal history and acceding to the amount sought by prosecutors. Prosecutors also said his SUV had caused a sixth death, a child, and said they would seek an additional charge of 1st degree intentional homicide, on top of the five charges announced Monday.