Crime
Terrell police officer Jacob Candanoza killed in the line of duty, suspect in custody
The police chief says Officer Jacob Candanoza was in his 20s and leaves behind a wife and young son.
A Terrell Police officer was tragically killed during a routine traffic stop late Sunday night, and the suspect involved is now in custody, according to the Terrell Police Department.
Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of South State Highway 34 around 11 p.m. on December 8, 2024, near a Super 8 motel.
During the stop, Candanoza requested backup. Shortly thereafter, the department received two 911 calls reporting that an officer had been shot, department spokesperson Mary Hauger shared during a Monday press conference.
Responding officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that Candanoza had sustained gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Despite his critical condition, Officer Candanoza managed to relay the suspect’s license plate number to dispatchers.
This critical information allowed law enforcement, including state Highway Patrol and off-duty officers, to locate the vehicle and pursue the suspect into Van Zandt County.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident, officials reported.
“We want to extend our deepest condolences to Officer Candanoza’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Hauger.
Officer Candanoza joined the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024. His untimely death has deeply shaken the community and his colleagues.
Terrell, located approximately 30 miles east of Dallas, mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant. Further details about the suspect and the investigation will be shared 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.