From Law & Crime · · 1m 50s
Mom pulling kids in wagon mowed down by distracted police chaplain
Police chaplain admitted hitting 2-year-old girl while distracted by phone.
In brief
Police chaplain admitted hitting 2-year-old girl while distracted by phone. John Brecount, 65, admitted to causing a hit-and-run that seriously injured 2-year-old Somaia Kamawal in Eden Prairie, Minnesota on August 21, 2025. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Hit-and-run crash
John Brecount, 65, admitted to causing a crash that resulted in great bodily harm on August 21, 2025.
Injured child
Two-year-old Somaia Kamawal suffered traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and lacerations to her spleen and kidney.
Family scene
Somaia and her sibling rode in a wagon pulled by their mother, Spogmai Kamawal, who also had two other children.
Crash details
Kamawal and her four children were leaving Eden Prairie park around 8:30 p.m. on August 21, 2025.
Chaplain's mistake
Brecount drove through without stopping after a driver let the family cross the street.
Distracted driver
Brecount believed he clipped a pedestrian sign and damaged his rearview mirror.
Phone distraction
Brecount was driving while checking his phone and reading a text from his wife when he heard a 'bump'.
No emergency response
Brecount admitted he never stopped or called 911 after the crash.
Cellphone evidence
Police confirmed Brecount was using his phone at the time of the crash through cellphone data and surveillance video.
Guilty plea
Brecount entered his guilty plea on October 5, 2026, for causing great bodily harm and leaving the scene.
Hospitalization
Somaia was hospitalized for more than a month due to her injuries.
Next hearing
Brecount's next hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2026.
Chaplain's admission
Brecount told police he thought he hit something after hearing a 'bump' and believed he clipped a sign.
Consequence
Brecount faces potential jail time for causing serious injury to a child.
The bottom line
John Brecount, 65, admitted to causing a hit-and-run that seriously injured 2-year-old Somaia Kamawal in Eden Prairie, Minnesota on August 21, 2025.
