3-Year-Old Killed, Woman Injured in Michigan Roadside Attack

A roadside memorial is shown with flowers and a small pink wagon. Photo courtesy of BoldFacts.

A 3-year-old girl was killed and a 72-year-old woman was critically injured after a man allegedly drove into a family and then opened fire in Delta Township, Michigan, leaving a community in mourning and a suspect facing murder charges.

According to CBS News Detroit, WILX, and People, 21-year-old Alexander Lamar Banks Jr. is accused of driving his vehicle into a family who were out for a walk, then exiting the car and shooting at them. The toddler was killed in the attack. She had been riding in a small pink wagon at the time.

The 72-year-old woman, described as a Good Samaritan who attempted to intervene, was critically wounded.

Authorities Detail Sequence of Events

Investigators say the incident occurred in Eaton County as the family was walking along the roadway. Prosecutors allege Banks intentionally drove into members of the group before exiting the vehicle.

After the vehicle struck members of the family, authorities say he exited the car and began firing a weapon. The toddler suffered fatal injuries.

The elderly woman was shot while trying to help, according to reporting by People. She was transported to a hospital and remains in critical condition.

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges

Banks has been charged with multiple offenses, including premeditated murder, according to local reporting. Court records show he is being held as the case moves through the legal system.

Officials have indicated that mental competency evaluations are underway. Authorities have not publicly discussed a possible motive.

The charges remain allegations, and Banks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

A Community in Mourning

The death of a young child has shaken Delta Township and the surrounding community. Neighbors described disbelief that such violence could erupt during what was meant to be an ordinary afternoon walk.

The image of the pink wagon left behind has become a painful symbol of the loss. Residents have begun leaving flowers and memorial items near the scene.

Community members have also expressed concern for the injured 72-year-old woman, who was hurt while trying to protect others.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Process

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Authorities have not released further details about evidence gathered or whether additional charges are expected.

Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case in Eaton County court. Future hearings will address competency findings and determine how the case proceeds.

For now, a family is grieving the loss of a child, an elderly woman is fighting for her life, and a Michigan community is left struggling to understand how such an act of violence could unfold on an ordinary afternoon.

References: Man Runs Down Family Out for Walk, Opens Fire Killing Child in Eaton County | Suspect in Deadly Delta Twp. Attack Identified, to Be Charged With Murder | Man Allegedly Drove Car Into Family Killing 3-Year-Old in Pink Wagon and Critically Injuring 72-Year-Old Trying to Save Them