Asheville Police Investigate Armed Robbery at Local Convenience Store
Asheville, N.C. – In the early hours of December 7, a scary incident unfolded at a convenience store in West Asheville that has left the community on edge. Police are currently investigating a reported armed robbery that occurred just after midnight at the 600 block of Smokey Park Highway. Officers from the Asheville Police Department responded swiftly, arriving at the scene around 12:01 a.m. to find that the suspect had already made a hasty getaway.
The Incident Details
According to the police report, the suspect, described as a Black male standing about 6 feet tall with a medium build, entered the store wearing a black jacket, black gloves, and a motorcycle helmet with a visor. Eyes wide with surprise, the employees witnessed what seemed to be a simple purchase turn into a tense showdown.
Initially, the suspect appeared to be just another customer attempting to buy some ice. However, things took a turn for the worse when he brandished a handgun and demanded that an employee lock the front door. It’s unclear what was going through the employee’s mind at that moment, but instead of complying, the quick-thinking employee made a run for it. He dashed out of the store and into the parking lot, which was thankfully occupied by several vehicles at that hour.
A Chaotic Escape
Realizing that the situation was escalating quickly, the suspect decided to flee the scene as well. Witnesses reported seeing him speed away on a black motorcycle, heading westbound on Smokey Park Highway. The whole ordeal was over in a matter of minutes, but it left an indelible impression on those who were present and continues to stir concern within the neighborhood.
Assistance Needed
The police have urged anyone with information about this incident to come forward. If you think you could help piece together this puzzle, contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, there’s also the option to send in tips using the TIP2APD smartphone application, which you can find by searching “Asheville PD” in your app store. Alternatively, you can text TIP2APD to 847411.
Ongoing Community Support
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant. Just this week, in a separate incident, police took action following a shooting in the nearby Candler area, assuring residents that there is no further threat reported related to that event. It’s a reminder of the importance of community connections and looking out for one another.
Though the armed robbery incident has rattled some residents, it’s crucial for everyone to remember to stay alert and report any suspicious activities. Community safety should always be a top priority, and it’s reassuring to see that local law enforcement is taking these situations seriously.
As a close-knit community, we hope that the police can gather enough information quickly to track down the suspect and restore a sense of safety in West Asheville. Let’s all keep our eyes peeled and remain supportive of our local law enforcement as they work tirelessly to keep our streets safe.
