Volunteer Chaplain Charged in Eden Prairie Hit-and-Run That Critically Injured 2-Year-Old

Overview

• Hennepin County charged John Charles Brecount with four counts, including criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm and leaving the scene.
• The complaint says he struck a mother and children in a marked crosswalk at Mitchell Road and Chestnut Drive on Aug. 21 and drove off.
• Investigators report he acknowledged looking at a text, told police "I think it was me," thought he hit a sign, and admitted he did not stop or call 911.
• Police say damage matched debris, surveillance and cellphone data placed him at the scene, and DNA from the mother was found on his car.
• He was charged via summons, is not in custody, has a Jan. 6 first appearance, and the 2-year-old has been recovering as the city discusses adding flashing crosswalk lights.