Wichita police ID victim in fatal crash, seek suspect after he leaves hospital

Wichita police are looking for a 19-year-old man suspected in the death of a boy who was killed in a crash near Harry and Rock on Wednesday night.

Police on Thursday identified the victim as 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa.

“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,” police spokesperson Andrew Ford said in a news release. “The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Jackson, who died on scene from his injuries.”

The release also noted that the driver “is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.”

The suspect and his passenger, a 24-year-old man, were seen running from the BMW by a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area.

Both of them were arrested after a short foot pursuit, Ford said.

The passenger was detained and then released without any charges, Ford said. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment, but later left.

Police spokesperson Brad Wright said the suspect “left the hospital against medical advice after officers left the hospital.” He said it is “not uncommon for suspects who require extensive medical attention to be released from police custody at a hospital.”

He said chief Joseph Sullivan “has directed staff to review this case and determine if the release was appropriate and any changes to WPD policy that may be necessary.”