APD is seeking assistance in locating a suspect

Press release from the Asheville Police Department:

APD News Release:  Man Wanted for Pepper-Spraying Female, Stealing her Purse

***Good Samaritan Recovers Purse

Asheville, NC (April 11, 2022):  Asheville Police are looking for a pair of suspects who stole a woman’s purse just after pepper-spraying her in the eyes.

APD officers were dispatched to a robbery call at the 40 block of S. Tunnel Road around 3 p.m. Saturday.  The victim informed officers that two men wearing masks came up to her and told her to give her all her stuff.  The two men fled the area on foot, but one of the witnesses at the scene gave chase as the two purse thieves ran away.  That Good Samaritan was able to retrieve the purse and bring it back to the victim.

The victim was transported to Mission Hospital for treatment.

Unfortunately, the man who recovered the purse had left the scene before police arrived.

As officers continued the investigation, they were able to determine that James Franklin Hairr (7/26/1984) of Lincolnton, NC, was one of the robbers.  He is being charged with Assault of a Female and Common Law Robbery.  (This photo of Hairr was taken nearly 12 years ago).

Officers are continuing their investigation as they attempt to identify the second suspect.

If you would like to anonymously share information about Hairr’s location or have more information about this case, you can text TIP2APD to 847411, or use the TIP2APD smartphone app. You can also share information by calling 828-252-1110.