Asheville Police Capture Homicide Suspect After Community Support
In a significant turn of events here in Asheville, police have successfully taken a wanted homicide suspect, Raqwean Jarrel Savage, into custody. This news comes as a relief for many in the community who had been on edge since the tragic incident that occurred on October 3, 2024.
Community Comes Together
Friday evening, officials from the Asheville Police Department expressed their gratitude towards several organizations and community members who played a critical role in locating Savage. “The Asheville Police Department would like to thank the U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations, our own Drone Team Pilots, and those from the community who bravely stepped forward with information,” they stated in a release.
The aftermath of the stabbing incident that led to this manhunt has left many residents shaken. For those not familiar with the details, Savage is accused of stabbing a man to death and seriously injuring another individual in the early hours of October 3rd. The violent altercation took place around 7 a.m. along Short Michigan Avenue. Officers arrived to find one man tragically dead at the scene, while the second victim suffered knife wounds to the neck and was rushed to Mission Hospital for emergency treatment.
The Manhunt Begins
Following the incident, Asheville police made the decision to label Savage as armed and extremely dangerous. They warned the public not to approach him but instead to call 911 if they spotted him. Described as a black male standing at about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds, Savage has distinctive tattoos on his arms, including “EST 1997” on his right upper arm and praying hands on his left upper arm.
To add urgency to the search, the U.S. Marshals Service announced a substantial $10,000 reward for any information that would lead to Savage’s capture. This announcement prompted increased vigilance among residents as they looked for any sign of the suspect.
Charged and Under Custody
As the investigation progressed, Savage was charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, which further underscored the danger he posed. Thankfully, the cooperation from local citizens and the responsive actions of law enforcement led to his eventual capture.
Authorities have been urging anyone with further information about Savage’s whereabouts to come forward. They recommended contacting the Asheville Police Department directly at 828-258-3200. There are also options for anonymity, such as using the TIP2APD smartphone application or texting TIP2APD to 847411. Buncombe County Crimestoppers has also been a resource for tips, allowing individuals to reach out via phone at 828-255-5050 or email at tips@abcrimestoppers.org.
Moving Forward Together
This incident has undoubtedly caused a ripple effect throughout the community, prompting conversations about safety and neighborly support. As Asheville residents process everything that has transpired, many are hopeful that this event can help foster a sense of vigilance and camaraderie among neighbors moving forward.
As the community picks up the pieces, the successful apprehension of Raqwean Jarrel Savage serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between citizens and law enforcement. In times of uncertainty, it is heartening to see a community come together to ensure everyone’s safety.
