Crime
Easley Shooting Suspect Apprehended After Multi-State Pursuit Ends in Crash in Landrum
Authorities have confirmed that a police pursuit originating in North Carolina, which ended in a crash in Landrum, South Carolina, is connected to a shooting incident in Easley, South Carolina.
One of the victims in the Easley shooting, identified as Antwan Jackson Sr., sustained gunshot wounds to the head and hand.
In a statement, Jackson expressed gratitude for the support he has received, saying:
“Thanks for all the prayers & support. I was shot today in my head & hand. I’m in a lot of pain and have surgery scheduled for the morning. My hearing is gone, but I’m really glad to be alive for my kids.”
The Easley Police Department (EPD) confirmed that the same suspect involved in the shooting also fired at an EPD officer earlier in the day.
Fortunately, the officer was not struck.
During the pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a semi-truck on Highway 176 in Landrum.
Family members of the couple inside the truck confirmed that they are safe but shaken by the incident.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, but an update is expected once additional details become available.
The investigation remains ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in piecing together the events leading up to the pursuit and crash.
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.