News Summary
In a late night operation on April 19, Asheville police arrested three individuals while executing crime prevention measures. Officers recovered drugs, firearms, and made multiple charges. The operation emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure community safety and encourage local involvement.
West Asheville Sees Late Night Crime Prevention Operation Result in Three Arrests
In the quiet hours of the morning on Saturday, April 19, residents of West Asheville were jolted awake by the buzz of police activity. The Asheville Police Department was out and about, putting their crime prevention measures into action, and it seemed they had their eyes set on the 490 block of Haywood Road.
What Went Down?
The operation kicked off around 12:20 a.m., and officers came across three individuals who were up to no good. Fueled by their commitment to keep the community safe, the officers swooped in to investigate further. Little did they know, they were about to uncover a stash of potentially dangerous items.
Drugs and Firearms – Oh My!
During the encounter, the police discovered that the group was in possession of some concerning items. Among the recovered goods were 0.73 grams of fentanyl—a substance notorious for its potency and risks—and a hefty 79.83 grams of marijuana. But the surprises didn’t end there. Two Glock handguns were seized during the operation. One was a Glock 19X, while the other was a Glock 19 that had already been reported stolen.
Meet the Suspects
The three individuals arrested that night had their own stories to tell, and the charges they faced varied in severity:
- Damon Tyrique Smith Jr., 21, was charged with felony possession of schedule II drugs, simple possession of schedule VI drugs, driving with a revoked license, and a citation for a stop sign violation. He found himself booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $5,000 secured bond.
- Samar Arkey Peake, 20, faced charges of carrying a concealed gun. Thankfully for him, he was released under a written promise to appear in court.
- Daiquan Aijah Ray, also 20, faced some serious charges, including felony possession of a stolen firearm along with carrying a concealed gun. Ray was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a more substantial $25,000 secured bond.
Operation Ends Smoothly
Throughout the whole operation, everything went down without a hitch. No incidents were reported, showcasing the professional handling of the situation by the Asheville police.
Community Involvement Encouraged
In light of this incident, the Asheville Police Department is urging locals to play an active role in keeping their community safe. If you see any suspicious activity related to drugs or firearms, don’t hesitate to reach out. The department encourages the public to report any credible information by contacting them directly or submitting anonymous tips—because sometimes, a little help from the community can go a long way!
In Conclusion
The operation in West Asheville serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to actively curb crime and protect the community. With their commitment and the support of residents, West Asheville can aspire for a safer, more secure environment. Let’s keep looking out for one another!
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Three Arrested in Asheville Police Operation
- WSPA: Three Face Gun and Drug Charges in Asheville
- MSN: Three Face Gun and Drug Charges in Asheville
- Fox Carolina: Teen Arrested on Multiple Charges in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Asheville Crime News
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
