Press release from the city of Asheville: The city of Asheville’s Downtown Safety Initiative to develop a sustainable approach to addressing community safety and cleanliness issues will transition from a pilot initiative to an ongoing effort on July 1, 2023. During the 60-day pilot period, city staff continued standard operations while also tracking and testing […]
Search Results for: crime
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Letter: Join NC People’s Power to spark change
“On July 1, a new coalition called NC People’s Power is organizing Days of Outrage in 13 cities across North Carolina to speak out against the attacks on ‘our bodies, our schools, our health, our environment, our rights, our communities, our income, our jobs, our democracy.’”
BCSO requesting assistance identifying person of interest
Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance in identifying the individual in this photograph. They are currently a person of interest in a reported breaking and entering with larceny. This crime was committed at “The Spot” convenience store located on Smokey Park Highway. If you have information, […]
APD seeking public’s assistance in early morning gun discharge investigation in East Asheville
Press release from Asheville Police Department: Asheville Police are investigating an early Tuesday morning gun discharge that occurred in east Asheville. Thankfully, no one was injured; only property damage has been reported at this time. APD Patrol Officers responded to the 200 block of Kenilworth Road to investigate reports of gun discharge around 2:56 a.m. […]
HCA Healthcare executives share new mental health facility details
The majority of the June 2 CIBO meeting focused on plans for the Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center, a 120-bed hospital that will provide behavioral health services.
Sheriff Miller releases crime data ahead of Congressman Edwards’ summit
Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: “Congressman Edwards says Buncombe County is in danger of turning into Chicago. I expect that type of commentary from Fox News, however, his statement is not supported by the crime statistics from the NC SBI and it’s irresponsible to have a conversation about public safety that is not […]
Asheville firefighters roll out community responder team pilot
Four firefighters compose the team — two primarily reaching out to people who may be unhoused or experiencing a behavioral health issue, and two primarily meeting with downtown business owners to address their needs and concerns.
Fighting sex trafficking takes multipronged approach
Sex trafficking doesn’t look like the plot of the 2008 film “Taken” starring Liam Neeson as a father who dramatically rescues his daughter from Albanian gangsters.
Letter: Question the priorities of APD and DA’s office
“The purpose of this letter is … to motivate city/county residents to question the priorities of the APD and the DA in these times of staff shortages and increased serious crime, along with the dire situation of homelessness in Asheville.”
Sheriff’s Report: Promised downtown partnership between Asheville police and Buncombe deputies never happened
When asked for comment on the report, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer issued the following statement: “The city and county partner in numerous ways and across many departments to bring services to residents. We are committed to continuing to enhance collaboration with the county and other regional partners.”
Edwards to host Asheville-Buncombe anti-crime summit
Press release from U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards: Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced that he will be using his ability to convene to host an anti-crime summit to discuss the rates of rising crime and violence in Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina at large. The summit will take place on Friday June 16 from […]
VIDEO PREMIERE: ‘Loss’ by Laura Boswell
The Asheville-based singer-songwriter-guitarist’s latest video was filmed on Roan Mountain and on the banks of the South Toe River.
Rep. Edwards to host Asheville-Buncombe anti-crime summit Friday, June 16
Press release from U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced that he will be using his ability to convene to host an anti-crime summit to discuss the rates of rising crime and violence in Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina at large. The summit will take place on Friday, June 16 […]
Citizen group coalesces around police support
Shared concerns about crime and an understaffed Asheville Police Department fostered an unusual alliance in today’s partisan times. An advocacy group called Asheville Coalition for Public Safety formed in October, bringing together community members of all political stripes who are concerned about crime, mental health, drug use and the unhoused population.
Asheville Police charge wanted man with kidnapping and assault
Press release from Asheville Police Department: Asheville, NC (June 2, 2023): Asheville Police Department Officers assisted Black Mountain Police Department in the apprehension of a bank robbery suspect Thursday afternoon APD Officers responded to the area of I-26 around 2: 57 p.m. on June 1 to assist the Black Mountain Police Department with the apprehension […]
Down Town, Part 11: Better alternatives to mental illness treatments
Part 11 of Asheville Watchdog’s “Down Town” series looks at how other cities have confronted mental health issues — with greater success.
Attorney General Stein speaks to law enforcement recruitment, retention on May 31
Press release from Attorney General Josh Stein: Attorney General Josh Stein will hold a press conference on law enforcement recruitment and retention in North Carolina on Wednesday, May 31, at the Western State Crime Lab. Attorney General Stein will be joined by Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand, North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director […]
Downtown safety initiative underway — How can you help?
Press release from Asheville Downtown Association: Due to a number of incidents impacting public safety, the City of Asheville is taking steps to address the rise in crime, especially downtown. Multiple City departments are coordinating with community leaders and partners to roll out a 60-day initiative to address safety downtown. Here are some ways you can participate: […]
Down Town, Part 10: Looking to other cities for possible solutions
As we conclude the “Down Town” series, our Watchdog reporters turn their attention to other cities that have had some success in addressing the challenges we have in common.
Women for Women Giving Circle awards $278,950 in grants supporting WNC women and girls
Press release from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina: (May 2023) – The Women for Women giving circle recently awarded six grants totaling $278,950. With these awards, the Giving Circle has exceeded $5 million in grants for programs serving WNC women and girls. Women for Women’s mission is to improve the lives of women and […]
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office updates policy on victims of human trafficking
Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller signs and releases policy to support victims of human trafficking and other crimes. This policy represents our commitment to participating in the law enforcement certification process that is part of federal visa programs available to immigrant victims of crimes. This new policy was […]