Asheville Residents Alarmed by Late Night Looting Incident
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — On a rather calm Sunday night in late December, around 10:20 p.m., the peace in East Asheville was shattered when police responded to a report of breaking and entering at a business on Azalea Road. What they found was nothing short of shocking – two individuals caught in the act of looting a flood-impacted property.
Two Arrested, One Still On the Run
Officers from the Asheville Police Department quickly arrived on the scene, arresting Samantha Diane Dockery, 31, and Aaron Scott Cavener, 45. Both were taken into custody without incident. It appears that the duo was caught red-handed, taking advantage of a vulnerable business during a time of hardship caused by flooding.
However, the drama didn’t end there. As officers investigated further, they discovered that there was a third suspect involved in the looting. They identified Nicholas Walker Jones, 38, as the person still at large, leading to a manhunt that had the community buzzing.
A Look at the Suspect
Authorities have shared a description of Jones to assist in his capture. He is a white male, standing at approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 215 pounds. With a bald head and blue eyes, he also sports several tattoos, including a cross on his right arm and a lion on his left shoulder and chest. His last known address is in nearby Black Mountain.
This event has raised concerns in Asheville, particularly as it follows a trend of increased looting incidents in the area, especially in businesses affected by recent flooding. After the storms, many people instinctively want to help, but unfortunately, there are always those who might take advantage of the situation.
Charges and Next Steps
Both Dockery and Cavener have been charged and are now facing the consequences of their actions. They were booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under $5,000 secured bonds issued by a magistrate. Meanwhile, law enforcement is ramping up efforts to locate Jones, who is still evading capture.
Community Involvement Encouraged
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Nicholas Jones to step forward. The Asheville Police Department has made it clear that they welcome any tips that could lead to Jones’ arrest.
If you happen to know anything, you’re encouraged to contact the Asheville Police at 828-252-1110. There’s also an option for those wishing to remain anonymous by using the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Final Thoughts
Incidents like these remind us of the vulnerabilities that can arise during tough times. As we continue navigating through the aftermath of the floods, it’s vital that the community unites against crime and protects those who are struggling. Together, we can help deter such actions and support our local businesses in their recovery.
Stay safe, Asheville, and keep an eye out for your neighbors undergoing tough times. Every little effort counts in making our community a better place.
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.
