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APD, sheriff and partners describe response after spike in gun discharges
Summary
APD reported an approximately 22% increase in calls for gun discharges compared with the same period last year, described multi‑agency arrests and seizures, and said it is coordinating with federal and county prosecutors and community partners on prevention and prosecution strategies.
The Asheville Police Department told the Public Safety Committee March 26 it responded to an unusual weekend spike in firearm discharges and is pursuing a multi‑agency, prevention‑and‑enforcement strategy.
APD presenters said the city saw a roughly 22% increase in calls for gun discharges compared with the same period last year, concentrated in the central district and West Asheville. At the same time, staff noted that overall violent crime remains at a five‑year low. APD said quick multi‑agency coordination with Buncombe County, state and federal partners resulted in numerous arrests and firearm seizures tied to the incidents.
"We immediately brought together our local, Buncombe County, our state and federal partners," APD said, and staff said they met last week with the U.S. Attorney for the Western District and the local district attorney to discuss prosecution of arms offenses.
Committee members asked about community‑based interruption programs; APD said it is working with local violence‑interruption stakeholders and plans to relaunch a housing team when newly graduated officers become solo in July to supplement the MOU work with the Housing Authority.
APD and county partners said they will continue prevention work, monitor trends and pursue arrests when warranted. The committee did not take formal action on this presentation; it was informational and part of ongoing community safety briefings.
