MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — Two children were killed and multiple people were seriously injured after a "tragic incident" at a boat club in Monroe County on Saturday afternoon.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said a vehicle ran into the Swan Boat Club in Newport, where a children's birthday party was taking place around 3 p.m.
A 66-year-old woman, Marshella Chidester, was arrested for driving intoxicated and causing death, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff said two siblings were killed at the scene: an 8-year-old girl named Alanah Phillips and a 4-year-old boy named Zayn Phillips.
Fifteen victims received first aid, including adults and young children, and nine of those were transported to area hospitals.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office provided an update Monday, listing the number of people injured, their ages, and conditions:
- 31-year-old female in critical condition
- 11-year-old male in critical condition
- 18-year-old female in serious condition
- 16-year-old female in serious condition
- 14-year-old male in serious condition
- 70-year-old female with minor injuries
- 66-year-old female with minor injuries
- 62-year-old female with minor injuries
- 57-year-old female with minor injuries
A 42-year-old male also sought treatment on his own for minor injuries, the office said.
"The scene was described by first responders as extremely chaotic with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident," said Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough.
According to the sheriff, the vehicle struck a wall before coming to a stop 25 feet inside the building.
A neighbor's doorbell camera captured the SUV as it sped down the road and past the parking lot toward the building as well as people running from and then toward the building.
The sheriff's office said the driver of the SUV will face additional charges. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed to WTOL 11 that Chidester is the suspect in the incident and is in custody at this time. The Monroe County Prosecutor's Office said no charges have yet been filed against Chidester.
The Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Yorkey said Monday the prosecutor's office plans to make a charging decision sometime on Tuesday. The county sheriff's office is conducting additional investigation, it said.
The prosecutor's office offered the following statement Monday regarding the incident:
"Mr. Yorkey wishes to send out his deepest condolences to the victims of Saturday’s tragic incident. Further, as in all cases, the suspect in this case is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We appreciate the public’s patience and know that you understand how important it is to have all of the information in front of us before making such an important decision.
We will send out an addendum tomorrow when official charges are filed along with the approximate time and place for the arraignment."
Police said they have evidence that the suspect was at Verna's Tavern, which is less than four miles from the boat club, before the crash.
Police closed down that business while they executed a search warrant.
Swan Boat Club is near Estral Beach between Monroe and Detroit.
First responders from multiple agencies remained on the scene hours after initial reports of the incident, including multiple ambulances.
Police investigators continued to process evidence at the scene into the evening as they worked to identify victims and reunite family members.
The SUV was towed from the building around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
By Sunday, the hole caused by the crash was covered with plywood and a makeshift memorial was set up in front of it.
As the sheriff's office continues to investigate, they ask that anyone with information about this incident call the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau at 734-240-7530.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to include the names of the two deceased victims, as well as a statement from the Monroe County prosecutor.
The name of the suspect has also been added to this story.
The ages and conditions of the nine hospitalized victims have also been added to this story.
This is a developing story. Please stay with WTOL 11 for the latest information as it becomes available.
MORE FROM WTOL 11: