News Summary
A shooting incident in downtown Asheville has left a 26-year-old man dead and several bystanders injured. The victim, identified as Andy Garcia Porras, was found unresponsive shortly after gunfire erupted. Eyewitnesses reported the chaos that ensued, causing panic among patrons enjoying a peaceful evening. The local community grapples with the impact of this violence as investigations continue and officials seek solutions to enhance public safety.
Asheville, NC – Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Young Man
A shooting incident that occurred just after midnight on Sunday has left a 26-year-old man dead and several bystanders injured in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The victim has been identified as Andy Garcia Porras, who was discovered unresponsive in the roadway by responding officers shortly after the shooting, which took place at approximately 12:07 a.m. on Rankin Avenue, near College Street.
During the incident, multiple uninvolved bystanders were struck by stray gunfire. One bystander sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mission Hospital, where they are currently reported to be in stable condition. Other victims experienced minor grazing injuries and were treated on the scene before being released.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Impact
Witnesses described a peaceful atmosphere prior to the shooting, with many enjoying live music at nearby venues. Eyewitness Thomas Bradham recounted hearing gunshots after stepping outside for a cigarette at The One Stop, a local bar. The sound of gunfire quickly caused panic among patrons, leading many to seek shelter inside the bar.
Tara Christensen, a bartender who was working nearby, noted that the chaos appeared to begin on College Street before spreading to Rankin Avenue. The shooting incident has left the local community in shock, prompting strong reactions from local officials and business owners.
Investigation Underway
Asheville police are actively investigating the shooting and have identified persons of interest. They are in the process of following up on leads related to the incident. Authorities are urging anyone who may have information regarding the shooting to come forward. Tipsters can contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110 or utilize the TIP2APD smartphone app for anonymous tips.
This unfortunate incident marks the second homicide investigation for Asheville police in 2023. Community leaders, including Asheville City Councilmember Bo Hess, expressed their sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for community safety and vigilance in light of such a violent event.
Response from Local Businesses
Both the Asheville Music Hall and The One Stop bar expressed their heartbreak over the events of the night, reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety of patrons and the surrounding community. The businesses highlighted their roles as safe gathering spaces which are now touched by the violence of the night.
Public Safety Focus
Community members are coming together to seek solutions to improve safety measures in downtown Asheville. Local leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration between residents, law enforcement, and business owners to address the rising concerns of violence and ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
As investigations continue, the memory of Andy Garcia Porras and the impact of his untimely death on the community will remain at the forefront of discussions in Asheville.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Police Investigate Asheville Shooting
- Google Search: Asheville shooting news
- WSPA: Multiple People Shot in Asheville
- Google News: Asheville shooting
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.
