Jackson Nzabonimpa Obituary, Death;- Wichita police are searching for a 19-year-old suspect following a hit-and-run crash that killed a 14-year-old boy.
Around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area of Rock and Harry saw the aftermath of the accident and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.
The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa, who died on the scene from his injuries.
Witnesses on scene identified the 19-year-old suspect who fled as the driver. Gauge Brasher is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision.
Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital.
“He was no longer a prisoner because he was released from WPD custody for medical treatment,” WPD said. “He also left the hospital against medical advice after officers left the hospital.” The passenger is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released without charges.
Wichita police are following up on leads to locate and arrest Brasher. WPD said the alleged recklessness of Brasher’s actions makes him a “danger to our community.”
The WPD’s Accident Follow-Up Unit (AFU) is continuing to investigate what led to this incident. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging.
“This was not an accident. It was a series of reckless choices,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “When you mix extreme speed with suspected impairment, you turn a vehicle into a weapon. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and his family, and the danger brought to our community.”
Anyone who has information on the location of Gauge Brasher is asked to call 911 immediately. To provide information related to this incident, p
