Crime
Active Shooter Investigation Underway at Montgomery Veterans Hospital
No one is injured. No one was shot.
UPDATE: Despite initial reports of an active shooter and a subsequent lockdown at the Montgomery VA Hospital, authorities have confirmed that no weapon was found.
Chief of Staff Chip Hill stated that police leadership has assured him there were no individuals armed with a gun on the premises.
He emphasized that there were no injuries, no shootings, and that the Montgomery Police Department is continuing to support federal counterparts in their ongoing investigation into the initial reports.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is urging the public to avoid the Montgomery VA Hospital on Perry Hill Road due to an ongoing active shooter investigation. The alert was issued via email and social media.
Law enforcement and VA police are on the scene responding to the situation, and all hospital entrances have been temporarily restricted.
To prioritize the safety of everyone in the area, CAVHCS is requesting that all visitors, patients, and staff refrain from entering the hospital grounds until further notice.
“We are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” stated Valerie Russell, Acting Director of CAVHCS. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Individuals with scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs are advised to contact the hospital by phone to reschedule or seek care at alternative VA facilities. Authorities are expected to release additional details through official channels.
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.