Crime
Southeast Houston Family in Fear After Targeted Shooting Leaves One Injured
According to the family, their home was one of two targeted in a series of reckless attacks by a group of individuals.
A local family is living in fear after a terrifying shooting incident left one of their loved ones critically injured. The incident occurred in the Southeast Houston neighborhood of S Richey and Forest Oaks Drive.
The shooting took place late last night, resulting in a barrage of gunfire that damaged multiple homes and vehicles in the residential area.
Bullet holes were found near a child’s bedroom, highlighting the grave danger posed to the families living there.
According to the family, their home was one of two targeted in a series of reckless attacks by a group of individuals.
The victim, who was inside the house at the time, was struck in the back by a bullet that exited through his chest. He also sustained a graze wound to his forehead. Despite the severity of his injuries, he is expected to recover fully.
The family expressed immense gratitude for their loved one’s survival, acknowledging the trauma of the experience. They are struggling to understand the motive behind the attack, as no one in the house has any known conflicts with others.
Photos of the home’s interior reveal the extensive damage caused by the gunfire. The family is now terrified to return home, fearing further violence from the suspects who may be aware of the police investigation.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to identify the perpetrators.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.