Crime
San Antonio Police Officer William Kasberg dies after accidentally shooting himself outside Columbia Heights Elementary School
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. at the former Columbia Heights Elementary School, located in the 1600 block of Fitch Street near West Southcross Boulevard.
The facility, now repurposed for training activities, was hosting a session of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), a state-mandated program for Texas law enforcement officers.
According to SAPD Chief William McManus, Kasberg had just arrived at the training site and was retrieving his belongings when his pistol accidentally discharged.
A fellow officer arriving at the scene discovered Kasberg lying beside his pickup truck. Emergency medical services transported him to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Kasberg was a 30-year veteran of law enforcement and was approaching retirement. Known for his positive outlook and dedication to his work, he left a lasting impression on his colleagues.
“He was a good officer, always up, always joking. He never seemed to have a care in the world, and then this happened,” Chief McManus said during a press briefing at the scene. “This is a sad day for SAPD.”
The ALERRT program, designed to prepare officers for rapid response in critical situations, was being conducted at the Columbia Heights facility, which had been closed as an elementary school in 2023 due to low enrollment.
In light of the incident, the Harlandale Independent School District (ISD) issued a statement emphasizing that no students were present during the tragedy.
“We want to emphasize that no Harlandale ISD students are present at the Columbia Heights Center, as the facility is used for training activities,” the district stated.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge of Kasberg’s firearm to better understand how the tragic incident occurred.
The loss of Officer Kasberg has sent shockwaves through the SAPD and the San Antonio community. As a respected and experienced officer, his sudden passing leaves a void in the department. Colleagues and community members alike are remembering his contributions to law enforcement and his positive impact on those around him.
The SAPD and local officials continue to extend their condolences to Officer Kasberg’s family, friends, and colleagues as they process this devastating loss.
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.