Crime
St. Johnsbury police Captain Jason Gray shot in the line of duty, suspect Scott Mason at large
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – Vermont State Police are actively searching for a man accused of shooting and injuring a St. Johnsbury police officer who responded to a reported domestic violence incident on Friday afternoon.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Scott Mason, 38, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Members of the public are strongly advised not to approach Mason but to call 911 immediately if they see him or have any information on his whereabouts.
The victim, Captain Jason Gray of the St. Johnsbury Police Department, was shot during the encounter.
According to sources, Gray is in stable condition but remains under treatment at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, after being airlifted for care.
“We’re not going to let up our search until we find Mr. Mason,” said Major Shawn Loan, Commander of the Vermont State Police Criminal Division. “We urge the public to assist by reporting any sightings or information. If you see him, please call 911.”
Mason is described as:
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: Approximately 220 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Hazel
- Last Seen Wearing: Gray sweatshirt and pants
- Residence: A second-floor apartment at 261 Portland Street, St. Johnsbury
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Friday when Officer Gray responded to Mason’s residence following a domestic violence report. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation.
Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to locate Mason, deploying significant resources to ensure public safety. The search remains active and ongoing.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. For updates on this developing situation, follow official Vermont State Police communications.
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.