Crime
Bessemer Police Arrest Suspect in Random Birmingham Road Rage Shootings
Bessemer, AL – February 13, 2025 – The Bessemer Police Department has arrested a violent suspect following multiple road rage shooting incidents in eastern Birmingham.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Demario Ladell Keith, had been randomly opening fire on motorists while driving a black Nissan Maxima.
The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) began investigating multiple social media reports regarding a suspect firing at vehicles in various locations across eastern Birmingham.
As part of their efforts, detectives were able to identify and locate the suspect’s vehicle.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., BPD detectives spotted the black Nissan Maxima in the parking lot of Walmart in Bessemer.
Recognizing the need for immediate backup, they contacted the Bessemer Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for assistance.
When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect attempted to flee, leading authorities on a short vehicle pursuit before abandoning his car and fleeing on foot.
A large-scale search operation was quickly launched, with multiple law enforcement agencies from Bessemer, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Hoover, and Fairfield collaborating to establish a secure perimeter around the area.
Keith was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities confirm that Keith was armed at the time of his arrest. He now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Multiple counts of drug trafficking
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Felony attempt to elude law enforcement
- Additional drug-related offenses
Bessemer Police urge anyone with additional information related to this case to contact their Criminal Investigations Division at (205) 481-4366 or Bessemer Police at (205) 425-2411. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Bessemer Police tip line at (205) 428-3541.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of Keith’s involvement in the series of road rage shootings, as well as any additional crimes he may have committed prior to his arrest.
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.