Wichita Driver Charged With Reckless Murder After Allegedly Fleeing Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collision Near Central Avenue

Chance Flores-Leach faces reckless murder charges after allegedly striking Henry Collins and fleeing. Evidence shows he fled due to a suspended license.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 5:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Wichita Eagle

A Chain Reaction of Fatal Proportions

The legal proceedings against Chance Flores-Leach have shed new light on the harrowing sequence of events that occurred near 3100 E. Central on November 22. Surveillance footage from a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts captured the moment Henry Collins attempted to cross the street from south to north. As Collins reached the eastbound lane, he appeared to notice an oncoming van and tried to leap out of the way. According to court affidavits, the van struck Collins and paused for several seconds before the driver maneuvered through a parking lot to flee the scene. The impact left Collins immobilized in the roadway for nearly a minute before he was struck by two additional vehicles.

The Suspect’s Attempted Flight and Family Intervention

While Collins lay in the street, the driver of the van, identified as Flores-Leach, allegedly returned to his apartment in a damaged gray Honda Odyssey. According to the affidavit released on March 30, 2026, Flores-Leach’s wife contacted emergency services after her husband admitted to hitting a pedestrian. She informed 911 dispatchers that Flores-Leach claimed he was not going to jail and began packing a bag to flee. Before his arrest the following day, the suspect reportedly contacted his father to say goodbye, knowing that his wife had cooperated with law enforcement.

Admissions of Negligence and Panic

During subsequent police interrogations, Flores-Leach provided a detailed account of his decision to leave the scene of the fatal collision. He admitted to officers that he was traveling to a restaurant when Collins ran in front of his vehicle. Despite attempting to swerve, the right side of the van struck the pedestrian. Flores-Leach stated that he "freaked out" after looking in his mirror and seeing the victim moving. He further confessed that his primary motivation for fleeing was his legal status, as he was operating the vehicle with a suspended license, no current insurance, and an expired tag.