Inside the ‘Very Bizarre’ Case of a Mom’s Alleged Hit-and-Run Spree — with Her Kids in the Car

Investigators in Michigan are still trying to determine what led a mother of two to suddenly embark on a hit-and-run spree that injured 11 people while her young children were in the car, as officials remain at a loss for an explanation over what they’ve called a “shocking and deeply disturbing” case.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday that Rachele Ricklefs has been charged with 18 felonies related to the Friday, Sept. 26 incident, including: 10 counts of intent to murder, two counts of fleeing the police, two counts of property damage to a fire or police vehicle, two counts of personal property damage, as well as charges for assault with a dangerous weapon, assaulting a police officer and one count of misdemeanor child abuse.

“The allegations in this case [are] shocking and deeply disturbing,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement. “Our office is committed to pursuing this case to the fullest extent of the law to ensure justice is served.”

The incident reportedly began around 8 p.m. local time when Ricklefs allegedly drove her black jeep into a cyclist and fled the scene, according to timelines put together by The Detroit Free Press, local FOX 2, and local WDIV.

Her 12-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter were allegedly in the car with her at the time.

Local police were able to stop and speak with Ricklefs a little less than two hours later and it was determined that the mother of two was possibly having a mental health episode, according to the Free Press, who cited information from the Warren Police Department.

Ricklefs allegedly put the jeep in reverse and backed into the officers’ patrol car, drove away and then quickly returned and hit another patrol car, according to the outlet. She then drove at a police officer who was able to get out of the way before embarking on a police chase.

During the fracas, Ricklefs’ son was able to jump out of the car before she drove off, per the Free Press.

Another hour later, police received another emergency call about a person who drove into a pedestrian. Moments later, Ricklefs allegedly drove up onto the grass on the side of a road and hit two more pedestrians, the Free Press reported, citing police.

Ricklefs allegedly then turned into a Walmart parking lot and attempted to run over other pedestrians before hitting a store employee. Police again attempted to subdue Ricklefs but not before she hit two more pedestrians and struck multiple squad cars.

Officials with the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office alleged Ricklefs “resisted arrest” and attempted to bite and kick multiple police officers while she was taken into custody just after 11 p.m. local time, according to FOX 2. The outlet reported that all 10 of the alleged victims are in stable condition and that Ricklefs’ children were unharmed.

Warren Police Department Lt. John Gajewski told WDIV the case was “very, very bizarre.”

“It’s a miracle we are not talking about multiple fatalities here,” the lieutenant said.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Warren Police Department for more information regarding the alleged hours-long hit-and-run spree.

Ricklefs’ bond has since been set at $750,000, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said. Officials said if she is released, Ricklefs will be placed under house arrest and ordered to wear a GPS device.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.