Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Woodforest Bank inside Lumberton Walmart identified as Brandy Olson
The suspect fled the scene immediately following the shooting.
Lumberton, NC – A tragic shooting at the Lumberton Super Walmart on Fayetteville Road Friday afternoon claimed the life of a woman, according to authorities.
The victim has been identified as Brandy Olson.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 3:45 p.m. following reports of gunfire inside the store.
According to early accounts, a man entered the Walmart and targeted Olson near the Woodforest Bank inside the building.
Witnesses stated that bystanders attempted life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived.
Olson was transported to UNC Health Southeastern but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
The suspect fled the scene immediately following the shooting.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the suspect’s identity or motive but confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Police stated there are no indications that anyone else was injured during the incident.
The Lumberton Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Individuals with details are asked to contact Sgt. Blake Harrell at 910-671-3845.
This remains an active investigation, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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.