Crime
Two Dead, One Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting Outside Colerain Township Businesses
The SUV, riddled with bullet holes, appeared to be the primary target of the attack.
COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, OH – A shooting along a busy stretch of Colerain Avenue Thursday afternoon left two people dead and one critically injured, prompting an extensive police investigation into the violent incident.
Authorities were dispatched to the area around 1 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire near Popeyes and Walgreens, located on Colerain Avenue close to Springdale Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that three males had been shot in what Colerain police describe as a targeted attack.
Two victims were found deceased inside an SUV parked in the Shell/Popeyes parking lot, while a third individual was located across Colerain Avenue near Walgreens.
The surviving victim, described as being in critical but stable condition, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The SUV, riddled with bullet holes, appeared to be the primary target of the attack.
Witnesses reported hearing at least 30 rounds of gunfire, which they described as “nonstop.”
The third victim, found near Walgreens, is believed to have been struck by a stray bullet, although police have not officially confirmed this information.
While details remain limited, police have issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) for a white Chevy Malibu or Impala. According to initial reports, the vehicle was operated by a man armed with an assault rifle.
Authorities have not yet released a description of the suspect or any potential motive for the shooting.
One witness described the chaotic scene, saying, “There was every bit of 30 rounds being let off. Every bit. It was nonstop.”
Another witness expressed concern about the frequency of gun violence in the area, adding, “This is happening too often. It’s heartbreaking to see innocent lives lost in such a violent way.”
Colerain police are actively investigating the incident, which spans two distinct crime scenes near the Popeyes/Shell parking lot and the Walgreens. Authorities are working to gather surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect vehicle to come forward. Tips can be provided to the Colerain Township Police Department or submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes 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.