KANSAS CITY - Wichita police have made an arrest in a fatal east Wichita crash. Gauge Brasher, 19, was taken into custody shortly after 4:00 p.m. Friday in the 3100 block of E. Range Rd.
Earlier Friday, investigators presented the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, and Brasher was charged with second-degree murder in the Aug. 13, 2025, crash that killed Jackson Nzabonimpa, 14. He will be transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on the charge.
On Aug. 13, around 6:30 p.m., a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper came upon a crash near Harry and Rock Rd. and saw two men running from a dark color BMW. After a brief foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.
The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck a power pole and a utility box. The impact forced the pole and box into Jackson Nzabonimpa, 14, who was on the sidewalk, and he died at the scene.
Witnesses identified the driver as a 19-year-old man later identified as Gauge Brasher.
Brasher is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Investigators believe speed and impairment were likely contributing factors.
The 24-year-old passenger was detained and later released with no charges.
“A 14-year-old should be safe standing on a sidewalk,” Police Chief Joe Sullivan said. “We grieve with this family and everyone hurting. We will stand with them and do everything we can to seek justice. I’m glad we were able to take the suspect back into custody. Throughout this process, we met with Jackson’s family to explain what occurred and our efforts to re-apprehend the suspect.”
Chief Sullivan remains committed to transparency and ensuring the Wichita Police Department's efforts align with our community's expectations. That is why he directed his executive staff to review our current policy to ensure necessary modifications are made to provide clear guidance to all Wichita police personnel.
This case remains under active investigation.