Crime
Security guard killed in shooting at Doraville Honduran Consulate identified as Jesus Loera
DORAVILLE, Ga. — A tragic shooting at the Honduran Consulate in Doraville on Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a security guard and left a second person injured, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred outside the main entrance of the consulate, located at 6755 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, at approximately 2:30 p.m., according to Emily Heenan, a representative for the city of Doraville.
The consulate is situated on the ground floor of a two-story office building.
Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina identified the deceased guard as 45-year-old Jesús Loera, a Mexican national employed by a private security company contracted by the consulate.
According to preliminary reports, the suspect attempted to enter the consulate armed with a gun, which is prohibited on the premises.
The individual, who did not have an appointment, was confronted by Loera.
The guard managed to close the door, preventing the suspect from entering the building, but was subsequently shot five times.
Loera was unarmed at the time of the incident.
Authorities detained the suspect and confirmed that the individual is under questioning. While the nationality of the suspect has not been officially determined, initial indications suggest the person may be Honduran.
Surveillance footage from the consulate has been handed over to investigators for review.
Foreign Minister Reina expressed condolences to Loera’s family during a press conference in Honduras and praised his efforts to safeguard the consulate.
He confirmed that he is in communication with U.S. local and state officials, the State Department, and Honduran President Xiomara Castro.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the safety of diplomatic facilities and personnel under the Vienna Conventions.
“Attacks and threats against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable,” the spokesperson stated.
Doraville police cordoned off much of the business complex’s parking lot as they conducted their investigation. By 5:30 p.m., officers began clearing the scene.
Details about the condition of the second victim have not been released. Witnesses in nearby businesses declined to comment on the incident.
The Honduran Consulate in Doraville is one of 14 consulates operated by Honduras in the United States, in addition to its embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the consulate’s website.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become 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.