The rising rate of crime in Asheville has landed the city of approximately 90,000 people in the top 10% most violent cities in America, according to FBI crime data. But the violence, the mayor said, is fairly isolated in our community. Community Crime Map automatically syncs with the Asheville Police Departments records system to keep crime information up-to-date. And the most recent one-year look, from 2020 to 2021, shows a 6% decrease. (Kristin Ramsey/EyeEm). Cities across the country are hiring after losing officers in the past couple of years. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. But the question then is really whats the new normal going to be?. Asheville once touted as a top Everything seems to be in line with the national trend, which was everyone had significant increases in 2020 when the pandemic hit and then some cities kept on going up a little bit in 2021, he said. Fox News recently told a national audience that Asheville has seen a 31 percent increase in violent crime in the last five years. Evil exists in Asheville, officers are surrounded by it, and they do their best with what they have. WOMAN ROBBED AT KNIFEPOINT IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE The first armed robbery happened Saturday, Aug. 20, on the 300th block of South French Broad Avenue, where a woman was held at knifepoint. Like other cities struggling with crime such as Los Angeles and New York City, Asheville has lost more than 100 officers since May 2020. Asheville, North Carolina. Democratic Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment by time of publication. Time for your type, the type to dehumanize and belittle anything white and male to be held accountable for your casual racism and sexism like the rest of us are. Officers also seized more than $10,000 in cash, a brick press, a vacuum sealer and a blender. The segment featured ex-Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, a former Democrat who blamed leftist politicians for what he said was anti-police sentiment in Asheville. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. They see people who are mentally unwell walking down the center of the street, talking to themselves, and they are fearful, Manheimer said. Nesbitt maintained that local Antifa has worked its way into colleges and universities throughout western North Carolina, and that figures sympathetic to Antifa have risen to positions of power on the city council, which did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on his allegation. All rights reserved. WebAsheville, North Carolina Crime Rate & Safety. ", "After 10 years at APD, I can say confidently that APD officers are good people with good hearts," he wrote. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It will be quite (humorous/tragic/surprising/expected?) CRIME SOARS IN DEM-RUN TOURIST TOWN, said the chyron. A dawn view of the skyline in Asheville, North Carolina, which has seen rising trends of violent crime in recent years. The Asheville Policecrime dashboardshows crimes against people down 10% in the past year and crimes against property down 20%. Support for law enforcement is a key issue among voters both in North Carolina and throughout the U.S. as crime surges in cities nationwide. WebAlleged downtown Asheville bomb thrower has new court date Buncombe County Commissioners talk affordable housing, cryptocurrency Did Punxsutawney Phil lie? The citys crime Leaders need to be honest about what happening and address it. Robberies are also up, 29%. or redistributed. The Asheville Police Department is excited to announce a new free tool to help the public stay informed about crime in Asheville. Chief Zack, through Davis, answered one question: There are loosely-organized, neighborhood-specific groups that could fall under a broad definition of gangs here in Asheville. But within those groups, the chief said it was doubtful that police could build a case to prosecute members under the federal racketeering law designed to combat organized crime. When you tell me that your assaults are up, Im going to say you dont really know that because almost half of your assaults are probably not reported.. Duncans successor, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller, told Asheville Watchdog, Weve seen some violent crime numbers go up, but like Asheville Police, the Sheriffs Office saw a decline in violent crimes in 2021. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Arrest 02/28/2023 11:00 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON DR Arrest 02/28/2023 7:30 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON DR Other 02/28/2023 3:36 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON DR Assault 02/28/2023 11:25 AM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON We hope youll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. And I think the community that is there now doesn't have that resolve. It refers to a period ending in 2020, when crime had increased nationwide. Story tips can be sent to jon.brown@fox.com. or redistributed. "Even though we were making good strides in the community and reducing the crime rate, we still saw ourselves coming in as a negative in the community in the eyes of some of the leftist politicians that were getting elected at that time," Duncan said. Fox News last week told a national audience that Asheville has seen a 31 percent increase in violent crime in the last five years. The 31 percent increase is not current. I think they're more of an enabling community, and I don't see it getting any better.". Crime perceptions are also shaped by more homeless people in and around downtown. The officer laid particular blame on Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams, a Democrat whose office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Manheimer said Ashevilles police department is understaffed, and were working hard to build back the ranks to be able to keep our community safe and respond to calls for service when the call is made.. Fox News recently told a national audience that Asheville has seen a 31 percent increase in violent crime in the last five years. Miller said he has not encountered an anti-law enforcement sentiment. And the reference to Asheville being among the most violent cities came from an analysis, also based on 2020 data, that combined all violent crimes a potentially misleading way to view the statistics, said Christopher Herrmann, an assistant professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. The Justice Departments Bureau of Justice Statistics samples U.S. households about crime victimization each year. Crime information can be viewed on a map or in a data grid. Warning: Information you find on this page may be outdated or incorrect. POLICE IN NORTH CAROLINA TOURIST TOWN REVEAL WORSENING VIOLENT CRIME STATS FOLLOWING FOX NEWS REPORT Chuckie McKelvey, who One in five were strangers. He also said Antifa and activists were active in Asheville and described the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 as riots.. Both the Asheville Police Department (APD) and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office have been hemorrhaging officers in recent years, with many retiring early or simply quitting. Heres what the stats do say about crime in Asheville and whos at risk: Herrmann reviewed Ashevilles crime statistics forAsheville Watchdog. What they show is over half of serious crime doesnt even get reported to the police, Herrmann said. Buncombe County Courthouse, left, and Asheville City Hall, right, both of which are in the Downtown Asheville Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Asheville's growth in violent crime is nearly double that of the national average and ranks among the highest in North Carolina, where violent crime has increased 13% statewide. Nearly 60 percent of Ashevilles aggravated assault victims in 2020 were relatives or acquaintances of their attacker. All rights reserved. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Asheville may be as high as 1 in 18 in the central neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 51 in the northeast part of the city. And why did the tourists who overdosed on felonious drugs at the Grove Park last February not get charged? There certainly are people that are at higher risk, Manheimer said. Zack told Fox News that Asheville is operating with nearly 42% fewer officers every single day.The department has 61 vacancies out of 238 sworn officers and another 26 in training or on leave, Davis said. Skyline of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore Estate, built in 1895, is the largest privately owned house in the U.S. and the biggest tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. "Officers overlook so many things because they know that it will go nowhere in court." APD Chief David Zack told Fox News Digital that the reasons behind the steady flood of resignations in his department are complicated and multi-faceted. WebThe rate of crime in Asheville is 34.46 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. I dont know if thats true or not, the mayor said. "It's devastating what they've done here in town and the Asheville area," Nesbitt said of Antifa, whose activity he has followed closely ever since he was nearly killed during protests downtown following the verdict in the Breonna Taylor case in 2020. Xpress needs help, too. His letter was published on the front page of the local newspaper. I am scared of nobody but THIS is what is making Asheville a more dangerous place to live. All rights reserved. NORTH CAROLINA PREGNANCY CENTER DEFIANT AFTER PRO-ABORTION VANDALISM: SPIRITUAL WARFARE, Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Buncombe County, North Carolina, and has seen a 31% surge in violent crime per 100,000 people from 2016 to 2020. Asheville saw a21% increasein the homeless, or unhoused population, in 2022 over 2021, leading to the belief by some residents and visitors that downtown has become dangerous. Community Crime Map allows users to choose a date range to view criminal activity (up to one year), to select which crimes to view and the opportunity to sign up for a neighborhood watch report that automatically generates an email breakdown of recent criminal activity specific to a particular area. Trends Analytics. Duncan, who retired as sheriff in 2018, ran the department for 12 years, replacing Bobby Lee Medford. Of the reported robberies in 2020, 26% of the victims were strangers. Yep, sort of comical to watch the advertising/groveling for more and more guests continue while the city struggles to get its act in order. Miller said he has not encountered an anti-law enforcement sentiment. Ashevilles 5-year violent crime rate cited by Fox News, a 31% increase from 2016 to 2020, becomes a 15% increase from 2017 to 2021. Community Crime Map provides basic information about the incidents, including the type of crime, location type, block-level address, date and time. How did they try to intimidate you? WHY do they have NO ability to run a safe city ? We share your inclination to get the whole story. Change your mind about what? "I think what you're seeing in Asheville right now is a culmination of the last several years of pulling police back and not letting them do their jobs like they're able to do," former Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan told Fox News Digital in a phone interview. For as little as $5 a month the cost of a craft beer or kombucha you can help keep local journalism strong. Youre not safe in your community. The only violent crime that has seen reductions is rape, down 28%, he said. There is also evidence of increased Mexican drug cartel activity in the area, according to multiple law enforcement sources who spoke to Fox News Digital. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The one positive trend in the report is a reduction in gun crime. Asheville Watchdogdug into the citys crime statistics and found violent crime in Asheville disproportionately affects Black residents, especially young Black residents. WebWLOS News 13 provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for No, absolutely not., The Fox News report blamed Ashevilles left-leaning politicians for the citys purported violent crime problem. Of 17 murders in Asheville in 2019 and 2020, 14 of the perpetrators and 12 of the victims were Black. Former Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, who left the Democrat Party, joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss how crime spiraled out of control in Asheville as the city grapples with police shortages. Four police press releases or news reports in the past two years mentioned carjackings, including one inFebruary 2022, when police said a man forced a 91-year-old woman from her car and drove away. From Asheville Watchdog: Fox News reports Asheville is crime-ridden, dangerous, Q&A: Regions top principal discusses her lifes devotion to education, Workers tell city leaders about fear and frustration over downtown crime, violence, From Asheville Watchdog: Merchants describe downtown Ashevilles descent into squalor and lawlessness, Fellowship to expand number of lawyers versed in evictions, housing issues, Safety, transit concerns raised at first Asheville budget meeting, Development roundup: Urgent care clinic, workforce housing proposed forCharlotte Highway. Email [emailprotected]. Police took Dixon and Furr were taken into custody. Get out! (George Rose via Getty Images), "I certainly think that with the losses that we have, our ability to be proactive and also our ability to be visible are partly causing some of the increases," the chief said of rising violent crime. Chad Nesbitt, the former chair of the Buncombe County GOP who now works as a local investigative journalist, attributed some of the city's problems to Antifa's presence in Asheville, which he described as "the hub of Antifa" in the region. In 2021, while Ashevilles police force was drastically reduced, violent crimedecreased. Updated: Apr 25, 2022 / 11:12 AM EDT ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) The Asheville Police Department arrested two people Thursday and is continuing to search for two more suspects. Please remember that.". But I would have to think they would be more of the kind of smaller, petty types of things, not violent crime.. Neither the Asheville City Council nor the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. For instance, Wilmington, a city of 115,000 people on North Carolinas east coast, had double the number of murders as Asheville but a lower overall violent crime rate: 685 violent crimes per 100,000 population versus Ashevilles 805. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. Sheriff Miller said, Fentanyl is killing our folks locally, as it is across North Carolina and the U.S. Asheville police spokesman Bill Davis said the department has had 16 robberies involving theft of a vehicle since the beginning of 2021. However, our ads are for local businesses and are unobstrusive. I think overall the national trend is things are kind of getting back to normal. Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Buncombe County, North Carolina, and has seen a 31% surge in violent crime per 100,000 people from 2016 to 2020. The robberies occurred in public and private places, including one-quarter in a street or alley, 16% in a residence, 15% in a parking lot or garage, and 10% in a convenience store. Manheimer said some people suspect crimes in Asheville are going unreported because of the police departments decision, beginning in June 2021, to no longer respond in-person to calls about theft, fraud and other non-serious crimes due to staffing shortages. Its a little bit of a leap to suggest that cops have this much of a crime-fighting skill, he said. Violent crime murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault went downin Asheville in 2021. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. Hes not alone. Nearly three-quarters were 29 or younger, and all but three were males. "You're going to have to literally go back to some old 1990s-style law enforcement, and people have to be put in jail who commit crimes," he said. But the violence, the mayor said, is fairly isolated in our community. Crime Map for Asheville, NC. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The Fox News report blamed Ashevilles left-leaning politicians for the citys purported violent crime problem. I love Asheville and everything it offers but am sad to see the decline. (Fox News Digital), Nesbitt said Antifa activists from other major cities throughout North Carolina congregate in Asheville, and that the members of the organization who believe in political violence "will try to instigate some of the dumbest people to do something very stupid. And the most recent one Dixon was charged with felony possession of stolen property. Asheville once touted as a top the mere fact that this is being presented nationally is disturbing and humilating. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. What Ive learned over the years is you can apparently slice and dice crime data however youd like, Manheimer said. Aggravated assaults are up 44 percent over the same period last year, and domestic-related aggravated assaults are up 64 percent, Davis said. Arrest 02/28/2023 11:00 PM 100 BLOCK OF DAVIDSON Firestorm Bookstore Co-op in West Asheville, which has faced allegations of being a front for extremist Antifa activity. Market data provided by Factset. In a Facebook post, officers said that would be enough fentanyl for 625,000 lethal doses. What is Trump cult merch? An Asheville Police Department vehicle parked in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Do the people involved have criminal histories for violence or drugs? Cities across the country are hiring after losing officers in the past couple of years. "It's just been like a perfect storm of events and circumstances that are driving officers out of the profession who have a significant amount of time and experience invested. Buncombe County Courthouse, left, and Asheville City Hall, right, both of which are in the Downtown Asheville Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The protests that roiled Asheville that summer were especially tense, with APD officers decked out in riot gear engaging in an hours-long standoff with protesters on a bridge leading into the city. Furr was charged with conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense and felony possession of stolen property. It is a continuation of this theme of, You should worry. Asheville and Western North Carolina news, investigative reporting, city and county government news. Radical abortionist group pledges violence after Roe overturned; Kristi Brown joins 'The Story' with response. Chief Zack, through Davis, answered one question: There are loosely-organized, neighborhood-specific groups that could fall under a broad definition of gangs here in Asheville. But within those groups, the chief said it was doubtful that police could build a case to prosecute members under the federal racketeering law designed to combat organized crime. Asheville's growth in violent crime is nearly double that of the national average and ranks among the highest in North Carolina, where violent crime has ", Zack also noted that fewer people even want to become police officers anymore, leading to what he described as "a hamster wheel of losing people and trying to replace them at the same time. I had a friend come down for a visit this summer from NYC (he was last in AVL in 2018); he and his wife were threatened by a homeless person and he asked me what happened to Asheville. Asheville is largely a tourist driven economy and the city invests significant resources to promote it, which will be squandered if nothing is done. But as far as Asheville being safe, I think its safe.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Email skestin@avlwatchdog.org. The City of Asheville 70 Court Plaza P.O. "Because we've lost so many officers, and we're operating at almost 42% down every single day, officer presence and officer visibility are not what they were.". Is the violence centered in or near public housing? Youre not safe in your own home. The officer also cited an overall lack of leadership and the "liberal agenda" of some county commissioners and members of city council. "Crime will continue to rise when there is no accountability for subjects of a crime," the officer said. Information provided is the type of crime, the date the crime occurred, block-level address and the incident number. Nearly three-quarters were 29 or younger, and all but three were males. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Furman uses a 32-6 second half run to defeat Mercer, NC schools see spike in reported violence numbers, Chase Elliott out of NASCAR indefinitely after tibia, Chris Rock to finally have his say in new stand-up, Hornung hits go-ahead 3-run HR in 7th to lead #23, CCES rolls past Scotts Branch 63-41 to win 1A Boys, Behind solo HRs from Ingle and Abrams, Clemson hands, NASCAR star Chase Elliott hurts leg in snowboarding, The Foreign Landers Perform on Your Carolina, NorthStar Financial Wants you to be Ready for Retirement. We havent really seen as you would call it the cartel, he said. An officer currently with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office who spoke to Fox News Digital on condition of anonymity attributed the exodus of officers to policy changes that hamstring them. Hair ran away from the scene, according to police. But I would have to think they would be more of the kind of smaller, petty types of things, not violent crime.. Have any assaults been random, aimed at residents or tourists? Carjacking is not a criminal charge in North Carolina. He also said that "officers are very, very frustrated" with low bail.