Asheville Residents on High Alert After Stabbing Incident
Asheville, North Carolina is currently on edge following a recent violent encounter that took place at Carrier Park. On December 17, a local woman was brutally stabbed in the stomach and robbed while out jogging with her daughter, making headlines and their local police department issue an urgent safety alert.
Details of the Incident
It was around 6 p.m. on a Tuesday evening when the woman, accompanied by her daughter, was just hoping for a peaceful jog in the park. Captain Joe Silberman from the Asheville Police Department (APD) described how the situation quickly turned into a nightmare. The victim suffered a very bad stab wound and was in critical condition at Mission Hospital after the attack. Thankfully, her daughter was unharmed but understandably shaken. She managed to call 911, leading to a rapid response from local authorities.
An Ongoing Civic Concern
Captain Silberman linked this tragic event to ongoing issues related to Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding and destruction in the region back in September. The aftermath has left Carrier Park and surrounding areas not only damaged but also unsafe after dark. Poor visibility, damaged infrastructure, and the absence of witnesses have unfortunately created a perfect storm for criminal activity. Places like the River Arts District and parts along Swannanoa River Road have not yet fully recovered, leading police to caution the community against visiting these areas after sunset.
Community Reactions
Many Asheville residents are deeply unsettled by the stabbing. One local, Jen Turner, expressed shock over the incident, noting that she often walks her dogs in the park and had never encountered any trouble. Turner mentioned minor issues with homelessness in the area, but she found it hard to believe something like this could happen. “I’m shocked,” she said, “I would guess drugs had something to do with it because, like I said, normally people are pretty harmless.” Despite her concerns, Turner maintains a brave outlook, stating that one cannot live in fear. “You just can’t,” she said, emphasizing that staying home out of fear isn’t a viable solution.
Important Safety Advice
Captain Silberman echoed Turner’s thoughts on safety, advising that people should not walk in these flood-affected areas after dark. They are not safe for residents or visitors. “If there’s not something you’re doing uniquely and hopefully during the day, there’s no reason to go explore,” he cautioned. Despite increased patrols, Silberman pointed out that police cannot be everywhere. They rely on the community to avoid risky areas.
The Search for a Suspect
APD continues to actively search for the individual responsible for this violent act. They have described the suspect as a black male armed with a knife. Even though there is no concrete evidence that he poses an ongoing threat, the community is being asked to keep safety top of mind. “They still have a knife, and we know what they’re capable of,” Silberman stated.
A Call for Community Awareness
In light of these events, the APD has urged residents to assist in maintaining safety. If anyone has information regarding the robbery or the suspect, they are encouraged to reach out to APD at 828-252-1110. Additionally, tips can be sent anonymously via text by messaging TIP2APD to 847411 or through the TIP2APD smartphone application, available in app stores.
Conclusion
Asheville residents are reminded to stay vigilant and keep their personal safety in mind, particularly in areas still feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene. It’s essential for each person to contribute to the safety of the community, ensuring that parks like Carrier remain places for enjoyment and safety.
