WRAL: Two people were killed and seven others were injured in a shooting early Sunday on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, and Asheville Police interim chief Jackie Stepp said investigators have evidence suggesting a vehicle was involved. The shooting happened around 2:20 a.m. outside Dalton's Distillery and the neighboring Smile Starters parking lot.
Witnesses said 25 to 30 gunshots were fired within seconds, and several said the shots appeared to come from a vehicle traveling along Biltmore Avenue. Jessie Woodward, the Dalton's Distillery bar manager, said someone drove by and began shooting. Woodward also said customers commonly move into the Smile Starters parking lot after the bar closes at 2 a.m. to continue their night.
Jackie Stepp on Biltmore Avenue
Stepp said investigators believe the shooting was not random. "We do think that this was not a random act of violence." She also said, "What I can say about gun violence is this community should not normalize gun violence."
Sunday morning, investigators marked evidence throughout the Smile Starters parking lot as APD kept the case active. The department had not announced any arrests or identified any suspects.
Asheville victims and investigators
Five of the victims were in stable condition, and two remained hospitalized. Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Manager DK Wesley said, "We must never become numb to senseless violence and continue to partner with the community and seek solutions to minimize violence. Our community's safety is a top priority, and we remain focused on ensuring that everyone in Asheville feels safe."
APD said investigators believe the shooting may have stemmed from a prior gun violence incident. For people who were in the area early Sunday, the immediate priority is staying clear of the scene while police continue tracing the vehicle and any links investigators believe came before the gunfire.
