The investigation into what happened when a pickup truck drove onto a soccer field in Wichita, Kansas, killing two and injuring at least 10 people, continues. Now, a former investigator has raised a ‘red flag,’ demanding more answers from authorities.
A former investigator has raised questions about the horrific crash at a Kansas soccer field that left two people dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred Saturday, October 17, at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas, where a youth soccer game was underway. A pickup truck drove onto the field and struck people who had gathered to watch the game.
The two people who lost their lives were six-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer. At least 10 other people were injured, including five children, according to police.
The horrifying incident left, as mentioned, two people dead and at least 10 injured, including several children, including a five-year-old girl, a five-year-old boy, and a nine-year-old girl.
Both victims who died were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
Police initially took the driver, a 34-year-old mother from Garden City, Kansas, into custody after the incident. Per the NY Post, she allegedly shouted, “Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?” after she was pulled out of the Chevrolet pickup truck by bystanders.
Former investigator raises questions about fatal soccer field accident
Investigators questioned the woman driving the truck, 34, before releasing her, pending further investigation.
Police are now waiting for toxicology test results and plan to conduct a mechanical examination of the pickup truck to determine exactly what happened. So far, authorities have not determined whether the incident was intentional or an accident.
“No charges have been filed at this time, and investigators continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash,” the Wichita Police Department said.
Now, Jamie Copenhaver, a former sheriff’s detective in Florida who previously worked with an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, has raised a red flag regarding authorities’ decision to release the woman, as well as their lack of information provided ot the public.
Speaking to Fox News, Copenhaver said investigators needed to do a better job explaining why they hadn’t filed charges.
“Law enforcement certainly needed to do a better job as to describing why these charges haven’t been filed,” he said.
Nearly 50 witnesses interviewed
According to the Wichita Police Department, investigators did not have probable cause to arrest her at the time of her release, following consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
They have also interviewed nearly 50 witnesses as they work to piece together what happened. However, Copenhaver argued that more information could help answer questions about the horrifying tragedy and prevent speculation from spreading online.
So far, authorities have not released information confirming whether a medical issue played any role in the incident.
Copenhagen said data from the truck’s onboard computer could help establish how fast it was going and whether the driver applied the brakes. He also questioned how long it might take to get the results they need to build the full picture.
However, testing times can vary depending on the substances being examined. While alcohol testing may produce results relatively quickly, tests for certain drugs or prescription medications can take longer.
Police have not confirmed whether alcohol, drugs, a medical emergency, or a mechanical problem contributed to the crash.
Police Department shuts down online rumors
As the investigation continues, authorities have also addressed rumors circulating on social media about the driver’s background.
In a statement to Fox News, the Wichita Police Department dismissed speculation circulating on social media about a possible connection to law enforcement.
“The Wichita Police Department is aware of false information circulating on social media regarding this investigation, including a rumor alleging that a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved,” they said. “The Sheriff’s Office has publicly addressed that allegation and identified it as false.”
The police department added, “We ask everyone to be responsible with what they share, consider the harm misinformation can cause and allow investigators to do their work based on facts and evidence, not speculation.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.
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