Wichita, Kansas: Driver released by police after young boy, 6, and man killed in soccer match crash
Six-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year old Nicholas Schafer have been identified as the two victims who died at the scene after a driver ploughed through a junior soccer game.
A woman who was behind the wheel of a vehicle when it ploughed into a crowd of people at a junior soccer match has been released by Wichita police.
The 34-year-old driver was taken into custody after a six-year-old boy, Cole Adrian, and 35-year old Nicholas Schafer were killed when she allegedly drove through a field at Stryker Sports Complex in Kansas on Saturday.
The horrifying incident also left 10 people with traumatic but non-life-threatening injuries, the force said. The injured included two children aged 5, two aged 8, a nine-year-old and five adults.
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Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses said officers raced to the scene about 3.15pm after reports of a “vehicle that had driven through a youth soccer game” at the complex.
“Officers and paramedics arrived (at the) scene on a field on the west end of the complex where they saw community members and citizens rendering medical aid to those who were injured,” Mr Moses said in a statement.
“They also located a truck on the west side of the field. The driver was still with the vehicle, along with two juveniles.”
While the woman was in custody, police conducted more than 30 interviews, some of which involved two of her children.
After consulting with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, detectives said the woman, who has not been identified, was “subsequently released pending the results of toxicology testing and a mechanical examination of the vehicle,” according to People.
No charges have been filed and officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Police Chief Joe Sullivan offered his condolences to the two victims who lost their lives.
“Our hearts are with the families of (Cole) Adrian and Nicholas as they face an unimaginable loss,” chief Sullivan said.
“What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy.
“We are also thinking about those who were injured, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed what happened.”
