Asheville Police Department statement:
Asheville, NC (February 26, 2016): On February 26, 2016, at approximately 3:50 AM, the Asheville Police Department received a call from a citizen that was traveling on Tunnel Road near Swannanoa River Road regarding a vehicle that was following her and firing a handgun. The victim reported that the incident began with a near collision on Tunnel Road, and the suspect firing a handgun in her direction. Officers from the Asheville Police Department and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office began to saturate the area and were briefly involved in a pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle after observing it on McDowell Street near the intersection of Short McDowell Street.
Asheville Police officers attempted to pursue the vehicle in order to take the suspect into custody, but the suspect driver fled from them at a high speed and in a reckless manner. The suspect vehicle was last seen driving east on Riceville Road. The vehicle is described as a gold Kia sport utility vehicle. It is believed that the suspect resides in the Haw Creek or Tunnel Road area.
No injuries were sustained during this incident.
The suspect is believed to be armed with a handgun and members of the public should exercise extreme caution and contact 911 if the suspect or suspect vehicle is seen. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of the suspect, the suspect’s vehicle, or about the incident this morning is strongly encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110, or Buncombe County Crime Stoppers at 828-255-5050.
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