Crime
Video shows moments shots fired during Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany
Authorities have identified a suspect as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie.
UPDATE: New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that an 18-year-old from Corydon, Bryce Gerlach, was tragically killed in the shooting.
Two other victims, a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, were also wounded and remain hospitalized.
Chief Bailey confirmed that all three victims were innocent bystanders who were not involved in the dispute that led to the shooting.
Multiple gunshots were reported at 9:53 PM in the area of State and Black streets, as well as near the carnival and ride area of the festival.
Witnesses have indicated that there were likely multiple shooters firing from different locations, possibly at least two.
Investigators initially believed the shots were fired from the area behind the Scribner House and from the parking lot of the Floyd County YMCA.
However, they now believe there may have been another shooter within the carnival area.
The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between at least two groups of individuals, all described as Black males in their late teens to early 20s. Following the incident, all suspects fled the scene.
The police chief noted that despite the proximity of multiple employees, police officers, and security personnel to the shooting area, they were able to quickly initiate life-saving measures for the injured.
Several “persons of interest” have been identified, but further details about them are unavailable as the investigation continues.
Chief Bailey emphasized that the suspects should still be considered at large and pose a risk to the public. He described their actions as reckless and dangerous, and urged the community to remain vigilant.
As soon as positive identifications are made, the police department will release that information publicly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
New Albany, Indiana – A tragic shooting incident occurred during the Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany on Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
The shooting took place just after 9:50 PM near the intersection of State Street and Black Street, close to the festival rides.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that one person died at the scene, while two others were transported to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Authorities have identified a suspect as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie.
He is believed to be armed and dangerous and remains at large.
The festival shares a parking lot with the YMCA, which can be seen in the background of a photo taken at the scene.
Hundreds of children were attending the festival and were exposed to the trauma of the shooting, which occurred just after 9:50 PM near State Street and Black Street. Parents and other festival-goers were also deeply affected by the incident.
This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of large public gatherings and the potential for violence to occur even in seemingly safe environments. The shooting occurred within the context of the festival, making everyone present an opportune target.
The New Albany Police Department (NAPD) is urging anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting to contact them at 812-944-6411.
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.