Former Investigator Questions Lack of Charges in Fatal Kansas Soccer Field Crash
Authorities are awaiting toxicology and mechanical examination results in the incident that killed two and injured several others.
Wichita, Kansas, police are facing scrutiny from a former law enforcement investigator over the decision not to file charges against a driver involved in a crash that killed two people and injured several others at a youth soccer complex. The investigation into the incident at the Stryker Sports Complex remains ongoing, with authorities awaiting toxicology and mechanical examination results.
Jamie Copenhaver, who previously served as a detective in Florida and worked with an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, expressed bewilderment at the lack of charges. He stated that law enforcement "certainly needed to do a better job as to describing why these charges haven't been filed." The driver, who remained at the scene, was released after an initial interview pending the results of toxicology testing and a mechanical examination of her vehicle.
The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when a pickup truck drove onto an active soccer field where children and families were present. Two individuals, 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both from McPherson, were killed. Multiple others were injured and hospitalized.
Authorities have interviewed nearly 50 witnesses and are continuing their investigation, which includes inspecting the truck, analyzing vehicle data, and awaiting official toxicology results from the Regional Forensic Science Center. Police Chief Joe Sullivan acknowledged the public's attention and strong opinions but emphasized the department's oath to uphold the law and constitution, noting that the decision made on Sunday morning, based on the information available at the time, was legally required.
Police have dispelled rumors circulating online, confirming the driver has a valid driver’s license, no outstanding warrants, and is not in the country illegally. They also stated she has no criminal history and no affiliation with any law enforcement agencies.
Copenhaver suggested that releasing information about the driver's medical condition at the time of the crash could help prevent the spread of speculation. He also noted the importance of the mechanical examination of the vehicle, stating that the truck's internal computer, or "black box," could reveal contributing factors such as speed, braking, and whether the vehicle skidded.
Regarding the toxicology results, Copenhaver explained that while alcohol-related tests are typically returned quickly, testing for other substances or prescription medications can take significantly longer due to the need for specialty testing.
The Wichita Police Department has urged the public to share information responsibly and allow investigators to work with facts and evidence, pushing back against misinformation circulating on social media, including false allegations about a law enforcement connection to the driver.