Asheville Community Reacts to Armed Bank Robber’s 12-Year Sentence

Asheville Residents React to Recently Sentenced Armed Bank Robber

Asheville, N.C. — In a stunning recent turn of events, a local bank robbery case has come to a conclusion with a 12-year prison sentence for a man from Tennessee. This incident, which unfolded back in November 2022, involved a brazen armed robbery at the PNC Bank located on O’ Henry Avenue, and has since left a mark on both the community and law enforcement.

The Day of the Incident

On the afternoon of November 9, 2022, just after 4:20 p.m., Paul Gordon Day, a 37-year-old man, pedaled into the PNC Bank on his bicycle. Clad in a blue cap, sunglasses, a blue surgical mask, a grey sweatshirt, and gloves, Day looked the part of a prepared robber. Once he entered the bank, the atmosphere changed swiftly as he revealed a gun concealed in a black plastic bag, secured with rubber bands. Approaching the bank tellers, he demanded cash, pointing the firearm at them and instructing a customer nearby to drop to the ground.

Quick Response from Law Enforcement

As the tellers complied, handing over the cash, they were unaware that the money included a GPS tracking device carefully tucked within the pile. This clever tactic by law enforcement was a crucial move that would ultimately help bring Day to justice.

After fleeing the scene on his bicycle, Day’s attempts to evade capture fell short. Law enforcement tracked the GPS signal, which led them to a vehicle traveling on I-26 towards Weaverville, North Carolina. A traffic stop quickly ensued, and within moments, Day was apprehended in the vehicle—alone, but with plenty of incriminating evidence.

Evidence Collected

During the traffic stop, officers discovered the stolen cash, the firearm used during the robbery, the stolen bicycle, and several articles of clothing that Day wore during the heist. As court documents reveal, the evidence painted a clear picture of his guilt.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Fast forward to January 10, 2024, and the jury found Day guilty of bank robbery using a dangerous weapon and of possessing and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Following the verdict, Day was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, a punishment that many in the Asheville community feel is justified. Now he remains in federal custody and will soon be transferred to a designated federal facility.

Community Impact

This incident has served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action from law enforcement in ensuring public safety. Local residents have expressed feelings ranging from anxiety to relief in the wake of the event. Many noted how surprising it was that such incidents can occur in a place as peaceful as Asheville.

The dedicated efforts of the police not only resolved a case of armed robbery but also reinforced a sense of community trust and cooperation. Residents are often reminded to stay alert and to report any suspicious activity, but many are also comforted by knowing that their local law enforcement is equipped to handle such situations effectively.

In summary, the swift tracking of a robbery and its resulting conviction serves as a powerful narrative for the Asheville community. It showcases both the determination of law enforcement and the resilience of residents. While the memories of that day may linger, the community is now looking forward, hopeful for a safer and brighter future.