Crime
2 injured in shooting at Chicago’s well-known Navy Pier
Fire officials confirmed that two people sustained gunshot wounds, with one victim reportedly in critical condition.
Two individuals were injured in a shooting incident at Chicago’s well-known Navy Pier on Tuesday afternoon, as confirmed by the Chicago Fire Department.
The shooting reportedly took place shortly before 1:45 p.m. in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue, which encompasses a section of Navy Pier, one of the city’s most frequented tourist spots along Lake Michigan.
While the exact location within Navy Pier and the events leading up to the shooting have not yet been clarified, emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene following reports of gunfire.
Fire officials confirmed that two people sustained gunshot wounds, with one victim reportedly in critical condition.
The conditions of the victims and additional information regarding their identities or ages have not been released at this time.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including potential motives and any suspects involved.
In response to the shooting, Chicago police increased their presence in and around the area to ensure public safety and gather evidence as part of their ongoing investigation.
The shooting has drawn significant attention, as Navy Pier is a prominent Chicago landmark, often bustling with tourists, families, and residents.
Further updates are expected as officials work to understand what led to the violence at the popular attraction.
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.