Local News
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Jefferson County Leaves One Dead, Four Injured
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL – A three-vehicle collision in eastern Jefferson County on Tuesday evening claimed the life of a woman and sent four others, including two children, to the hospital, authorities confirmed.
Emergency responders from Center Point Fire and Rescue and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at approximately 6:45 p.m. to the 2900 block of Pinson Valley Parkway following reports of a serious multi-vehicle crash in the northbound lanes.
Upon arrival, first responders pronounced one adult female deceased at the scene.
The victim has been identified as Diedra Preston.
Four other individuals sustained injuries in the crash, including two children and two adults.
- The children were transported to Children’s of Alabama for treatment.
- The two adults were taken to a local hospital for medical care.
- The extent and severity of their injuries have not yet been disclosed.
Due to the severity of the crash, authorities have shut down Pinson Valley Parkway while sheriff’s deputies conduct their investigation.
Battalion Chief Chris Horn stated that the road closure could last up to four hours as officials work to determine the cause of the collision.
Jefferson County authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash.
Further details, including potential contributing factors, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and remain cautious as emergency crews remain on-site.
Local News
Indiana Police Officer Ronnell Johnson Fatally Shot While Handling Personal Firearm at Marion Health Hospital
Authorities in Indiana are investigating the fatal shooting of a Marion Health Police Officer who died early Sunday morning after an accidental firearm discharge inside Marion Health Hospital in Grant County.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, when 25-year-old Officer Ronnell J. Johnson, of Marion, Indiana, was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound. Officer Johnson was on duty at the time of the incident.
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that Officer Johnson was handling a personally-owned, non-department-issued handgun when the firearm discharged, striking him.
Details surrounding how the weapon was being handled and the moments leading up to the injury have not yet been fully clarified.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies—including the Indiana State Police, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Marion City Police Department, and Marion Health Police Department—responded immediately.
Hospital medical staff initiated life-saving measures; however, despite their efforts, Officer Johnson succumbed to his injuries.
He was later pronounced deceased by the Grant County Coroner’s Office.
Family notification has been completed, and an autopsy is scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasize that no additional details will be released until further evidence is reviewed.
Indiana State Police Detectives are leading the investigation at the request of the Marion City Police Department.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Indiana State Police Peru Post and medical personnel from Marion Health Hospital.
The circumstances remain under active review.