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Wichita police release driver after no probable cause found

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Wichita Police Release Driver

Wichita police released the 34-year-old driver after finding no probable cause for arrest.
Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. crash on a youth soccer field killed 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer.
Ten people ages 5 to 68 were injured and taken to hospitals.
Detectives interviewed nearly 50 witnesses and are reviewing the truck, data and toxicology.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office will decide charges after reviewing all investigative materials.

Summary

Meddys Pledges Aid

City of Wichita installed temporary barriers around Stryker Sports Complex as permanent safety solutions are studied.
KSHSAA postponed the inaugural girls flag-football championship and will reschedule playoffs later this week.
Meddys pledged 20% of Oct. 18-Oct. 24 revenue to families affected by the crash.
Wichita officials will deploy mental-health professionals at the complex to support grieving families.

History

Historical Context

In May 1999 a charter bus operated by Custom Bus Charters veered off I-610 in New Orleans, killing 22 passengers; the NTSB blamed driver medical incapacitation, fatigue and marijuana use. The tragedy spurred Congress to enact the Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2000, which later guided safety responses to subsequent incidents such as the 2024 Wichita youth-soccer collision.

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Wichita Police Release Driver

Wichita police released the 34-year-old driver after finding no probable cause for arrest.
Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. crash on a youth soccer field killed 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer.
Ten people ages 5 to 68 were injured and taken to hospitals.
Detectives interviewed nearly 50 witnesses and are reviewing the truck, data and toxicology.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office will decide charges after reviewing all investigative materials.

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