A Minnesota family’s walk home from a park turned into a life-changing tragedy when a driver struck a mother and her young children in a crosswalk and continued driving without stopping to help. More than a year later, the man behind the wheel has admitted responsibility for the crash that left a 2-year-old girl with serious, life-threatening injuries.
John Brecount, a former volunteer chaplain with the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments, pleaded guilty on October 5, 2026, in connection with the August 21, 2025, collision in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The crash seriously injured toddler Somaia Kamawal, who required extensive medical treatment following the incident.
Family Struck While Crossing the Street
The collision happened at approximately 8:30 p.m. as Spogmai Kamawal and her four children were returning home after visiting a park. Two of the children were walking beside their mother, while Somaia and her sibling were riding in a wagon she was pulling.
As the family entered a marked crosswalk near Mitchell Road and Chestnut Drive, one driver reportedly stopped to allow them to cross. A second vehicle, driven by Brecount, approached without stopping and struck the mother and the children in the wagon.
The impact left Somaia critically injured. Her mother also sustained injuries, while the incident left the family facing an overwhelming medical and emotional challenge.
Somaia suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures and internal injuries, including damage to her spleen and kidney. She spent approximately 41 days in the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries to treat her injuries.
The extent of her injuries made the crash particularly devastating for her family, who had been enjoying an ordinary outing before the collision.
Driver Said He Thought He Had Hit a Sign
Investigators later determined that Brecount had been looking at his cellphone when the crash occurred. According to his statements to police, he was reading a text message from his wife when he heard a bump and noticed damage to his vehicle’s side mirror.
He said he initially believed he had struck a pedestrian sign. However, rather than stopping to investigate what had happened, he continued driving and did not contact emergency services.
Brecount later went to a Culver’s restaurant, where he examined the damage to his vehicle. He also exchanged a text message with his wife, telling her he believed he had hit something.
He did not stop at the crash scene to check whether anyone had been injured, nor did he call 911.
The following day, after learning about the incident, Brecount contacted a police officer to ask about the crash. When the officer told him that a child had been hospitalized, he reportedly acknowledged his possible involvement, saying, “I think it was me.”
Investigators subsequently examined cellphone data and surveillance footage, which supported the finding that he had been using his phone around the time of the collision.
Investigation Led to Criminal Charges
The investigation eventually resulted in criminal charges against Brecount. His position as a volunteer chaplain with the local police and fire departments also drew attention to the case, given the circumstances surrounding his decision to leave the scene.
Brecount is no longer serving in that volunteer role.
The case highlights the serious consequences that can follow when a driver becomes distracted behind the wheel, particularly when a collision involves pedestrians and young children.
Even when a driver initially believes a collision involved an object rather than a person, stopping to assess the situation and contacting emergency responders can be critical. In this case, investigators were able to connect the damaged vehicle to the crash through the subsequent investigation.
Guilty Plea Brings Case Closer to Sentencing
Brecount’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the legal proceedings stemming from the incident.
Under the reported plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to two counts of gross criminal vehicular operation, including a felony count. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss two additional charges as part of the agreement.
The proposed sentence calls for 100 days in jail, with work-release and furlough privileges, along with three years of probation. It also includes 20 days of supervised community work during the first year of probation.
The final sentence remains subject to the judge’s decision.
Brecount’s next court hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2026, when the case is expected to move toward sentencing.
For the Kamawal family, the legal proceedings come after months of dealing with the aftermath of a crash that left their young daughter with extensive injuries. While the guilty plea addresses Brecount’s responsibility under the law, the incident remains a painful reminder of how quickly distracted driving can change a family’s life.
