Crime
Watch: Man discharges firearm on West Florissant Avenue, ends in police cruiser struck the suspect
The video shows officers pursuing the man, and the cameraman narrates that police allegedly discharged their firearms during the chase.
A tense incident unfolded on West Florissant Avenue as a man was captured on video discharging a firearm into the air while walking along the street. The chaotic scene, recorded and shared to Channel2 News, showed the individual firing multiple shots before the weapon appeared to jam.
According to the footage, the man walked in the middle of the street before crossing onto the median, continuing to handle the firearm.
Shortly after, a St. Louis County Police Department vehicle arrived at the scene, prompting the individual to flee on foot.
The video shows officers pursuing the man, and the cameraman narrates that police allegedly discharged their firearms during the chase.
The pursuit ended when a police cruiser reportedly struck the fleeing individual.
Additional footage circulating on social media reveals law enforcement officers performing CPR on the individual following the incident.
However, authorities have not yet released information about his condition.
The St. Louis County Police Department has launched an active investigation into the sequence of events.
This includes examining the actions of the suspect, the firearm discharge, and the response by officers. Officials are working to gather witness statements, review video evidence, and reconstruct the timeline of the confrontation.
Authorities have reminded the public that all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Further details regarding the suspect’s identity, the officers involved, and any charges or disciplinary actions will be released as the investigation progresses.
The situation remains under review, and more updates will be provided as additional information becomes available. Residents and witnesses with relevant details are encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
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.