A dozen men in big, smelly trucks are making Asheville a more dangerous place? The citys crime Updated: Apr 25, 2022 / 11:12 AM EDT ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) The Asheville Police Department arrested two people Thursday and is continuing to search for two more suspects. The Omni Grove Park Inn, built in 1913, is a historic resort hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, that has hosted several presidents. Is downtown safe? All rights reserved. Herrmann reviewed Ashevilles crime statistics for Asheville Watchdog. One in five were strangers. Cities across the country are hiring after losing officers in the past couple of years. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. APD Chief David Zack told Fox News Digital that the reasons behind the steady flood of resignations in his department are complicated and multi-faceted. We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. Ashevilles 5-year violent crime rate cited by Fox News, a 31% increase from 2016 to 2020, becomes a 15% increase from 2017 to 2021. The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce a new free tool to help the public stay informed about crime in Asheville. The officer laid particular blame on Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams, a Democrat whose office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce a new free tool to help the public stay informed about crime in Asheville. We're already in the top 10% of violent cities in America.". Like other cities struggling with crime such as Los Angeles and New York City, Asheville has lost more than 100 officers since May 2020. WebWLOS News 13 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Evil exists in Asheville, officers are surrounded by it, and they do their best with what they have. WHY do they have NO ability to run a safe city ? An officer currently with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office who spoke to Fox News Digital on condition of anonymity attributed the exodus of officers to policy changes that hamstring them. It is a continuation of this theme of, You should worry. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. You mean to tell me that Fox news manipulated statistics to fit the narrative of their agenda? Youre not safe in your community. Ashevilles 5-year violent crime rate cited by Fox News, a 31% increase from 2016 to 2020, becomes a 15% increase from 2017 to 2021. or redistributed. Crime Map. Zack told Fox News that Asheville is operating with nearly 42% fewer officers every single day.The department has 61 vacancies out of 238 sworn officers and another 26 in training or on leave, Davis said. "Personally, I think that is the agenda of the left: for law enforcement not to be able to do anything that's effective and makes the community safer," he added. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Please remember that.". Thats tough to believe.. Manheimer said Ashevilles police department is understaffed, and were working hard to build back the ranks to be able to keep our community safe and respond to calls for service when the call is made.. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. #24 in Best Places to Retire. There certainly are people that are at higher risk, Manheimer said. https://mountainx.com/news/buncombe-shapes-plan-to-tackle-opioid-crisis/. WOMAN ROBBED AT KNIFEPOINT IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE The first armed robbery happened Saturday, Aug. 20, on the 300th block of South French Broad Avenue, where a woman was held at knifepoint. What Ive learned over the years is you can apparently slice and dice crime data however youd like, Manheimer said. Fox News last week told a national audience that Asheville has seen a 31% increase in violent crime in the last five years. But the drug-dealing arrests in Buncombe thus far have not included Latinos. Crime is a serious issue and one that I hear about as a top concern for our community, said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. This is a beautiful area and I hope that everyone will find a way to stop harming each other and visitors. NWS conducts damage survey on severe storms, Portions of Calif. home hang over cliff after landslide, Family of cold-case victim gets justice after 40, Car buyers frustrated after dealership closes, Murdaugh judges own legal story unfolded in South, Man arrested after 2 found dead inside business, Deputies release footage of shooting involving teen, New Jersey trooper shooting suspect caught in South, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Asheville once touted as a top Last updated or reviewed on October 24, 2022. Another chyron proclaimed TOWN BECOMING HUB OF ANTIFA.. WebAsheville, North Carolina Crime Rate & Safety. Were pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. What is Trump cult merch? Asheville, North Carolina Multiple local law enforcement sources who spoke to Fox News Digital laid partial blame for the deteriorating condition of a North Carolina tourist town on the city's liberal political leadership and on left-wing activists who undermine police. WebThe Citizen-Times, Asheville Sentencing: Alex Murdaugh gets life in prison in murder of wife, son Biltmore Forest cop charged with child sex crime in South Carolina Rezoning Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He recounted that county police recently made the biggest fentanyl bust in Buncombe County history until APD made a bigger bust weeks later. Crime information can be viewed on a map or in a data grid. I had a friend come down for a visit this summer from NYC (he was last in AVL in 2018); he and his wife were threatened by a homeless person and he asked me what happened to Asheville. Since the beginning of this year, violent crime is increasing, Davis said. People who live in Asheville generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest. ", Duncan further noted that when he was serving as county sheriff, "left-wing activists" from outside the community would sweep in to disrupt community meetings. Buncombe County Courthouse, left, and Asheville City Hall, right, both of which are in the Downtown Asheville Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mayor Manheimer said, Fox News is doing their best to try to highlight these evil Democrat blue cities like New York and Chicago and L.A., and I guess now were going to focus on Asheville. When Justin Wilson, who served a decade as an APD community resource officer, resigned in August 2020 to begin a new career, he sent a letter to the community he served, apologizing to them and explaining that the job had "taken a toll on my personal life." FORMER DEMOCRAT SHERIFF BLAMES ANTI-COP RHETORIC, BAIL REFORM FOR CRIME SURGE IN POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION, APD Chief David Zack recently told Fox News Digital that his department is down more than 100 sworn officers since May 2020, and that they are struggling to maintain visibility while "operating at almost 42% down every single day.". Arrest 02/28/2023 11:00 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON DR Arrest 02/28/2023 7:30 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON DR Other 02/28/2023 3:36 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON DR Assault 02/28/2023 11:25 AM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON 0:04. The Justice Departments Bureau of Justice Statistics samples U.S. households about crime victimization each year. Asheville once touted as a top-10 tourist destination back in 2017, but with crime raging, the city now ranks, get this, in the top 10% of most violent cities in America,anchor Todd Piro said. APD released the latest statistics to WLOS after Fox News Digital published a report last week about how violent crime in the historic mountain town skyrocketed 31% per 100,000 people between 2016 and 2020 nearly double the national average and 18 percentage points higher than North Carolina's 13% increase statewide during the same period. Asheville pregnancy center reacts to Jane's Revenge's threat of militant behavior. Hairr, who ran from the scene, was charged with possession of stolen goods, possession of burglary tools, resist, delay, and/or obstruct law enforcement, larceny after breaking & entering and felony breaking & entering, according to officers. I do agree the politics seem liberal, but I dont live here for the politics. Jon Brown is a writer for Fox News Digital. We hope you give us a chance and whitelist our website. WebASHEVILLE A McDowell County man is among those snared in a sweeping investigation into drugs and guns in western North Carolina, federal officials said Monday. In 2021, while Ashevilles police force was drastically reduced, violent crimedecreased. Email skestin@avlwatchdog.org. No, absolutely not.. But as far as Asheville being safe, I think its safe.. Nearly 60 percent of Ashevilles aggravated assault victims in 2020 were relatives or acquaintances of their attacker. Story tips can be sent to jon.brown@fox.com. It looks like you're using ad blocking technology. Youre not safe walking down the sidewalk. And thats not the case in Asheville., Fox News host Tucker Carlson last week took aim at Manheimer, whom he described as wearing complicated eyeglasses that all the girl bosses now wear. Under her leadership, Carlson claimed, Asheville as a beautiful place should have no crime, but it has a lot now. And he said Asheville had a lot of carjackings.. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Nesbitt said local Antifa have used Floyd's death "as an excuse to bring anarchy to this city," and pinpointed Firestorm Bookstore Co-op in West Asheville as the nexus of their activity. Is our community unsafe as the picture is painted by Fox News? Everything seems to be in line with the national trend, which was everyone had significant increases in 2020 when the pandemic hit and then some cities kept on going up a little bit in 2021, he said. Do the people involved have criminal histories for violence or drugs? And its not typically random., Asheville Watchdogmade three requests over two days to interview Asheville Police Chief David Zack about crime trends, but Davis said he has a very busy schedule., Zack did find time totalk to Fox Newsand said the exodus of more than 100 officers since May 2020 had limited the departments ability to be proactive and visible. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Its primarily attributable to the rise in aggravated assaults.. South Carolina Upstate Spartans (16-14, 10-8 Big South) vs. UNC Asheville Bulldogs (25-7, 16-2 Big South) Charlotte, North Carolina; Saturday, 12 p.m. Are armed gang members or drug dealers coming into Asheville from Charlotte, Atlanta or other cities? The officer predicted the situation in the Asheville area is headed "downhill quickly" without a change in leadership. But the drug-dealing arrests in Buncombe thus far have not included Latinos. Story tips can be sent to jon.brown@fox.com. Unfortunately, I did not see the Tucker FOX News interview. Box 7148 Asheville, NC 28802 828-251-1122 Skyline of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Proven time after time. The Community Crime Map is available on the Asheville Police Departments website by clicking on the crime mapping icon or atcommunitycrimemap.com. Youre not safe walking down the sidewalk. And thats not the case in Asheville., Fox News host Tucker Carlson last weektook aim at Manheimer, whom he described as wearing complicated eyeglasses that all the girl bosses now wear. Under her leadership, Carlson claimed, Asheville as a beautiful place should have no crime, but it has a lot now. And he said Asheville had a lot of carjackings.. #46 in Best Places to Live. The new violent crime numbers, which include a 59% year-to-date spike in armed robberies compared to 2021, come as two suspects made local headlines this week, allegedly beating a man with a baseball bat and robbing him along a heavily trafficked avenue that runs north from downtown Asheville. Cold Cases Missing Persons Daily Archive. Violent crime murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault went downin Asheville in 2021. "It's just been like a perfect storm of events and circumstances that are driving officers out of the profession who have a significant amount of time and experience invested. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Hairr or Spurgeon is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. The jail population did decline, especially during the worst of Covid, as some non-violent inmates awaiting trial were released. All rights reserved. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Firestorm Bookstore Co-op in West Asheville, which has faced allegations of being a front for extremist Antifa activity. WebSince this Sub seems to only want to re-post Fox News specifically so they can deflect from the real crime problem Asheville has, here's the actual story of business owners fed up with daily human excrement, shoplifting, fentanyl use, overdosed people, fights, threats, and every quality-of-life crime imaginable right on their doorstep. Have any assaults been random, aimed at residents or tourists? He pinpointed family pressures, a lack of community support and low pay in the expensive city as major factors pushing police to throw in the towel, but explained that APD has been working with the city to make salaries more competitive. The suspects left with more than $10,000 in merchandise and attempted to destroy the alarm system while inside, police said. WebProperty crime numbers Though anecdotally, story after story described spiking crime rates, with theft and burglary among the concerns voiced by business owners, Booth said I dont know if thats true or not, the mayor said. The way Mayor Manheimer talks about Asheville safety world in the above AW story is not that in touch with where many are actually living. Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Buncombe County, North Carolina, and has seen a 31% surge in violent crime per 100,000 people from 2016 to 2020. Becky Tin is a retired district court judge and lawyer. Both the Asheville Police Department (APD) and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office have been hemorrhaging officers in recent years, with many retiring early or simply quitting. Chad Nesbitt, the former chair of the Buncombe County GOP who now works as a local investigative journalist, attributed some of the city's problems to Antifa's presence in Asheville, which he described as "the hub of Antifa" in the region. Crime soars in Democrat-run tourist town in North Carolina. The officer claimed Williams' office often doesn't charge criminals at all or reduces felony charges to misdemeanors. Post Announcements News But the sheriff said, We didnt see an increase as far as crimes being committed., Anonline versionof the Fox News report said, without citing any details, that there was evidence in Asheville of increased Mexican drug cartel activity in the area, according to multiple law enforcement sources who spoke to Fox News Digital.. Duncans successor, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller, toldAsheville Watchdog, Weve seen some violent crime numbers go up, but like Asheville Police, the Sheriffs Office saw a decline in violent crimes in 2021. We havent really seen as you would call it the cartel, he said. WebASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) New data from the Asheville Police Department (APD) shows the city's violent crimes are up 34% this year compared to 2021. CRIME SOARS IN DEM-RUN TOURIST TOWN, said the chyron. TUCKER CARLSON: WE'RE LOOKING AT A WAR ON THE POPULATION. Asheville police spokesman Bill Davis said the department has had 16 robberies involving theft of a vehicle since the beginning of 2021. I dont know if thats true or not, the mayor said. Is the violence centered in or near public housing? WebASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) A man in Asheville is facing numerous charges after being accused of trafficking drugs. It refers to a period ending in 2020, when crime had increased nationwide. Using the tool residents can view a map and grid with all of the crimes in their area and sign up for neighborhood watch reports that automatically email a breakdown of recent crime activity. Is our community unsafe as the picture is painted by Fox News? How did they bully you? It won't be a retirement destination. He also said Antifa and activists were active in Asheville and described the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 as riots.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. But the question then is really whats the new normal going to be?. What are the demographics of the offenders and victims, and are the weapons being used mostly guns? But the violence, the mayor said, is fairly isolated in our community. The segment featured ex-Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, a former Democrat who blamed leftist politicians for what he said was anti-police sentiment in Asheville. "They would really try to get into it with the police, and a lot of times, they would try to shout down things," he said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Elected democrats DESTROY cities. "It's devastating what they've done here in town and the Asheville area," Nesbitt said of Antifa, whose activity he has followed closely ever since he was nearly killed during protests downtown following the verdict in the Breonna Taylor case in 2020. An Asheville Police Department vehicle parked in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The City of Asheville 70 Court Plaza P.O. The Buncombe county commissioners have stood with me 100%, he said, supporting pay raises and new equipment. Get out! HOMICIDES DOWN BUT VIOLENT CRIME UP IN MAJOR US CITIES AS MIDTERMS APPROACH. What they show is over half of serious crime doesnt even get reported to the police, Herrmann said. Dixon has a $5,000 bond and Furrs bond is $15,500. For instance, Wilmington, a city of 115,000 people on North Carolinas east coast, had double the number of murders as Asheville but a lower overall violent crime rate: 685 violent crimes per 100,000 population versus Ashevilles 805. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, It will be quite (humorous/tragic/surprising/expected?) Asheville Watchdogdug into the citys crime statistics and found violent crime in Asheville disproportionately affects Black residents, especially young Black residents. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. WebAlleged downtown Asheville bomb thrower has new court date Buncombe County Commissioners talk affordable housing, cryptocurrency Did Punxsutawney Phil lie? Former Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, who retired as sheriff and left the Democratic Party in 2018, recently told "Fox & Friends First" co-host Todd Pirro that local "anti-law enforcement sentiment" has contributed to the problems with police retention. Patrol officers were walking around the area when they saw Mandy Blair Dixon, 36, Jamie Jean Furr, 39, and Franklin Hairr, 37, with some of the businesss property. They really didn't get to speak, and they really didn't get anything done.". Asheville, a city of about 90,000 people in the mountainous western region of North Carolina in Buncombe County, has also been hemorrhaging both city and county police officers in recent years. The robberies occurred in public and private places, including one-quarter in a street or alley, 16% in a residence, 15% in a parking lot or garage, and 10% in a convenience store. Crime statistics dont provide the full picture of crime in a city. Multiple local law enforcement sources who recently spoke to Fox News Digital attributed some of the mass exodus to the city's liberal leadership and to left-wing activists who undermine police. Hes not alone. More people today are armed with weapons and guns, said Miller, an Asheville native. Officers also seized more than $10,000 in cash, a brick press, a vacuum sealer and a blender. Aggravated assaults are up 44 percent over the same period last year, and domestic-related aggravated assaults are up 64 percent, Davis said. His letter was published on the front page of the local newspaper. CRIME SOARS IN DEM-RUN TOURIST TOWN, said the chyron. Furr was charged with conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense and felony possession of stolen property. Seems like everyone holding their breath for the Asheville-Buncombe Public Safety Strategy is a weird and scary interregnum. Youre not safe in your own home. It only takes a moment. The monument stood in the center of downtown Asheville for 123 years before the city dismantled it in 2021. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Asheville's growth in violent crime is nearly double that of the national average and ranks among the highest in North Carolina, where violent crime has Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Dixon was charged with felony possession of stolen property. They see people who are mentally unwell walking down the center of the street, talking to themselves, and they are fearful, Manheimer said. Heres what the stats do say about crime in Asheville and whos at risk: Herrmann reviewed Ashevilles crime statistics forAsheville Watchdog. Manheimer said some people suspect crimes in Asheville are going unreported because of the police departments decision, beginning in June 2021, tono longer respondin-person to calls about theft, fraud and other non-serious crimes due to staffing shortages. You can also search by neighborhood or along a street. ? While NYC has seen its share of issues, he will not be returning to AVL. The only violent crime that has seen reductions is rape, down 28 percent, he said. Manheimer said some people suspect crimes in Asheville are going unreported because of the police departments decision, beginning in June 2021, to no longer respond in-person to calls about theft, fraud and other non-serious crimes due to staffing shortages. No, absolutely not., The Fox News report blamed Ashevilles left-leaning politicians for the citys purported violent crime problem. "And the first people who quit coming to those meetings were the people within the community. The information can be downloaded into a .csv file. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Manheimer said Ashevilles police department is understaffed, and were working hard to build back the ranks to be able to keep our community safe and respond to calls for service when the call is made.. In 2021, while Ashevilles police force was drastically reduced,violent crimedecreased. Both suspects were booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center. More people today are armed with weapons and guns, said Miller, an Asheville native. Placing Asheville's situation within the context of trends present in police departments across the U.S., he said the loss of officers accelerated following the protests that took place in the wake of George Floyd's death in 2020. And why did the tourists who overdosed on felonious drugs at the Grove Park last February not get charged? @ Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library, @ Black Mountain, Leicester, Weaverville Libraries, Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Route to Arizona, Recovering North Carolinas Bill of Rights, The NCDOR Opens 2023 Individual Income Tax Season, Tageos to Open Manufacturing Facility in Henderson County; 92 New Jobs and $35 Million Investment Expected, Flat Rock Playhouses 2023 Season Marked by Regional Premier, New Black Box Series, Award-Winning Musicals, Employment Agencies, Consultants & Businesses. The Biltmore Estate, built in 1895, is the largest privately owned house in the U.S. and the biggest tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. For instance, Wilmington, a city of 115,000 people on North Carolinas east coast, had double the number of murders as Ashevillebut a lower overall violent crime rate: 685 violent crimes per 100,000 population versus Ashevilles 805. Rates of homelessness have increased 21% since 2021, according to data released in May. Since the beginning of 2022, Asheville has seen an uptick in aggravated assaults, defined as attacking someone with the intent of causing severe injury. Crime Map. Leaders need to be honest about what happening and address it. Asheville police spokesman Bill Davis said the department has had 16 robberies involving theft of a vehicle since the beginning of 2021. DEMOCRAT-RUN TOURIST TOWN IN NORTH CAROLINA SEES VIOLENT CRIME SPIKE AS POLICE DWINDLE: PERFECT STORM, A dawn view of the skyline in Asheville, North Carolina, which has seen rising trends of violent crime in recent years. Asheville once touted as a top-10 tourist destination back in 2017, but with crime raging, the city now ranks, get this, in the top 10 percent of most violent cities in America, anchor Todd Piro said. The rising rate of crime in Asheville has landed the city of approximately 90,000 people in the top 10% most violent cities in America, according to FBI crime data. There is also evidence of increased Mexican drug cartel activity in the area, according to multiple law enforcement sources who spoke to Fox News Digital. Crime is a serious issue and one that I hear about as a top concern for our community, said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. Asheville saw a21% increasein the homeless, or unhoused population, in 2022 over 2021, leading to the belief by some residents and visitors that downtown has become dangerous. Democratic Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment by time of publication. But I would have to think they would be more of the kind of smaller, petty types of things, not violent crime.. Those numbers include a broad range of offenses. Since the beginning of 2022, Asheville has seen an uptick in aggravated assaults, defined as attacking someone with the intent of causing severe injury. One in five were strangers. Arrest 02/28/2023 11:00 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON "Crime will continue to rise when there is no accountability for subjects of a crime," the officer said. "Or Asheville will soon become a non-entity. The robberies occurred in public and private places, including one-quarter in a street or alley, 16 percent in a residence, 15 percent in a parking lot or garage, and 10 percent in a convenience store. Legal Statement. Hair ran away from the scene, according to police. Duncan said in the segment that crime started to climb as those leftist politicians set an agenda that included reducing the jail population. Market data provided by Factset. Basic information about the incidents, such as the type of crime, location type, block-level address, and date and time, is also available. Sixty percent of voters overall consider crime a major issue in the lead-up to the midterm elections 52% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans, according to an August poll from Pew Research. Among many other features, SimpliCity provides crime statistics for the address. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Asheville is largely a tourist driven economy and the city invests significant resources to promote it, which will be squandered if nothing is done. Robberies are also up, 29 percent. "And to do that, you have to have community resolve. Yep, sort of comical to watch the advertising/groveling for more and more guests continue while the city struggles to get its act in order. Each year, aggravated assaults made up the majority of Ashevilles violent crimes, accounting for about two-thirds to nearly three-quarters. "Our staff is working around the clock to follow up on instances of reports that have been taken.". POLICE IN NORTH CAROLINA TOURIST TOWN REVEAL WORSENING VIOLENT CRIME STATS FOLLOWING FOX NEWS REPORT Chuckie McKelvey, who What they show is over half of serious crime doesnt even get reported to the police, Herrmann said. Simplicity allows you to search for any address within the city limits of Asheville. (Kristin Ramsey/EyeEm). The Omni Grove Park Inn, built in 1913, is a historic resort hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, that has hosted several presidents. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Change your mind about what? Herrmann, a former crime analyst supervisor with the New York City Police Department, said he looked at crime statistics in cities with liberal and conservative majorities last year and found no discernible difference.