A peaceful stroll turned into a horrifying scene in Delta Township, Michigan when a driver allegedly struck a family with his vehicle before opening fire, killing a toddler and seriously injuring an elderly woman who rushed to help. The suspect has been arrested and charged as the community responds to the shocking incident.
Family Ambushed During Neighborhood Walk
Police say the incident occurred on February 13 as a family was out walking with their young child riding in a pink wagon. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a vehicle veering off the road and hitting the group before the driver exited and began firing at them.
Three family members were struck by the vehicle and subsequent gunfire. The 3-year-old girl tragically died at the scene, while her parents were injured. Authorities have not released the parents’ names.
Good Samaritan Critically Injured While Trying to Save Family
A 72-year-old woman, identified in public fundraising pages as Barb, was critically wounded after intervening to distract the attacker and protect the family. According to accounts shared by her loved ones, she ran toward the danger and succeeded in drawing the gunman’s focus away from the parents and toddler.
Barb sustained severe head and facial trauma and underwent emergency brain surgery. Her family described her actions as heroic, crediting her with saving lives despite suffering life-threatening injuries.
Suspect Arrested, Charges Filed Amid Investigation
Police arrested 21-year-old Alexander Lamar Banks, Jr. and charged him with premeditated murder, multiple counts of assault with intent to murder, and various firearms offenses.
Court filings indicate the suspect told investigators he acted because of online posts urging him to kill in order to protect his own family. His attorney has requested a mental competency evaluation as part of his defense.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and have not offered additional details about the family or other victims.
