Crime
15-month-old Matheo Vasquez found safe
HOUSTON, TX – After an extensive search and an AMBER Alert issued over the weekend, 15-month-old Matheo Vasquez has been safely found. According to authorities, a family member is now in custody of the child and will be meeting with law enforcement officials.
However, questions remain about Matheo’s whereabouts during the time he was missing, and further details are under investigation.
The AMBER Alert for Matheo was activated after he was last seen on Saturday evening, January 25, around 5:20 p.m., in the 15000 block of Green Stone Drive.
The toddler was reportedly wearing a black sweater and black pants at the time of his disappearance. Matheo is described as being 2 feet tall and weighing approximately 20 pounds.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children initially reported that Matheo was believed to be with 25-year-old Jason Irwin Vasquez, who is now wanted for kidnapping.
Jason Vasquez is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall and has a tattoo on his right hand. Authorities believed he was driving a 2016 dark gray GMC Sierra four-door pickup truck with Texas license plate JZY5720.
The exact relationship between Jason Vasquez and Matheo has not been clarified. It has been confirmed, however, that Matheo was not found with Jason Vasquez at the time of his recovery, according to a source close to the investigation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Matheo’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his recovery. Officials have not disclosed how Matheo was located or who facilitated his safe return to family members.
Jason Vasquez remains wanted for questioning and is considered a person of interest in this case. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate him and determine the full scope of events leading to the issuance of the AMBER Alert.
Authorities are urging the public to assist with any information that might help locate Jason Vasquez or shed light on the case. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the following numbers:
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office: 713-755-7427
- Investigator Benavides: 832-262-5238
- Investigator Quintanilla: 713-262-5193
- Crime Stoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The safe recovery of Matheo Vasquez has brought relief to his family and the local community. Law enforcement officials, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the search efforts.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the ongoing investigation.
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.