Law enforcement officials in Sedgwick County are investigating a fatal collision and have detained a suspect. The accident occurred at the intersection of E. 23rd St N and Jackson in Wichita, resulting in the death of Nancy Lopez and leaving another individual in critical condition. The driver of the Acura, a 16-year-old boy, was arrested and is facing charges of second-degree murder and reckless aggravated battery. Speeding is believed to have contributed to the crash. Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges. This incident marks the 31st traffic fatality in Wichita this year. Salina Post reported
First Responders at the Scene of the Deadly Crash
Investigation Launched into Fatal Crash with Arrest Made
SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are currently conducting an investigation into a tragic accident that resulted in a loss of life. Additionally, an arrest has been made in connection with the incident.
According to Officer Kris Gupilan, the police were called to respond to an injury collision at the intersection of E. 23rd St N and Jackson in Wichita at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Upon arrival, first responders were met with a harrowing sight – both vehicles involved in the collision exhibited significant damage. Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that a northbound Acura MDX on Jackson collided with an eastbound Nissan Altima at the intersection of 23rd Street.
Tragically, the Nissan was occupied by Nancy Lopez, a 28-year-old resident of Wichita, and another woman aged 23, also from Wichita. Despite the valiant efforts of the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, Lopez was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 23-year-old passenger was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
The occupants of the Acura, on the other hand, sustained minor injuries. However, the driver, identified as a 16-year-old boy from Wichita, was taken into custody and subsequently booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake Center. The charges he is facing include reckless 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Reckless Aggravated Battery, as per Officer Gupilan.
Investigating officers strongly suspect that excessive speed played a significant role in the collision. As a result, the police will be presenting the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.
This tragic incident marks the 31st traffic fatality in Wichita this year, according to the local police department.
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