ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities in Buncombe County say an active shooter situation at the courthouse in downtown Asheville started when shots were fired from a parked car outside.
According to our sister station, WLOS, around 10 a.m. Tuesday residents were asked to avoid all of downtown Asheville.
Officials tweeted just before 10:30 a.m. that the courthouse was secured and there was no longer an active threat.
CAUTION - Reports of gunshots in the area around the courthouse. APD is locking down the area. PLEASE AVOID DOWNTOWN AT THIS TIME. @WLOS_13 @asheville @wyffnews4 @foxcarolinanews
— Asheville Fire Fighters (@AFFA332) March 31, 2020
In a press conference, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said a probation officer was walking in front of the courthouse when shots were fired from a parked car.
Dispatch reported an active shooter situation and the sheriff’s office, the Asheville Police Department and probation officer responded to the scene.
Miller said a lieutenant with the sheriff’s office was hurt, but is expected to be OK. Rondell Lance, the President of the Fraternal Order of Police, told WLOS the deputy was hit with glass.
Officials said one person inside the suspect vehicle was shot and killed by officers’ returning fire. Authorities have not identified this person and have not said what led up to the shooting.
The Asheville Police Department is leading the investigation with the help of the State Bureau of Investigations.
No other injuries were reported.
In the first alert, authorities instructed the public to “avoid downtown Asheville.”
Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams told the Asheville Citizen-Times he heard “three or four” gunshots. He said those who were in the courthouse were told to stay where they were and keep away from the windows.
Drew Reisinger, the Buncombe County register of deeds, said he was in his office down the street from the courthouse when he saw dozens of law enforcement officers swarm the building.
“We saw an unbelievable police presence roll in faster than I’ve ever seen, literally dozens upon dozens of police cars, men and women in tactical gear, all running toward the courthouse,” Reisinger told the Asheville Citizen-Times.
The courthouse will be closed for the rest of the day, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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