Asheville Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender Near School

Police officer in front of a school ensuring community safety

News Summary

The Asheville Police Department arrested a 43-year-old registered sex offender following reports of suspicious behavior near a school. Lucas Felix Martinez was taken into custody after witnesses observed him acting inappropriately close to school property. Authorities confirmed he was unlawfully present within 300 feet of the school, resulting in a felony charge. The police are reminding the community to report any similar incidents and are working alongside local organizations to support survivors of sexual offenses.

Asheville Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender Near School Property

The Asheville Police Department (APD) arrested 43-year-old Lucas Felix Martinez on May 22, 2023, following reports of suspicious behavior near Asheville City Schools. Martinez, who is a registered sex offender, was taken into custody around 4:30 p.m. after witnesses observed him “rubbing against a fence” adjacent to school property.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers located Martinez on a footbridge next to the school, where he matched the description provided by the witnesses. This prompted the police to act swiftly, confirming that Martinez was unlawfully within 300 feet of Asheville City Schools—an area designated to be free of sex offenders.

Martinez now faces a charge of felony sex offender unlawfully on premises. He is currently being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a secured bond amounting to $20,000, or an alternate bond of $2,000 to a bondsman.

Community Safety and Reporting

The APD is actively working with the Buncombe County Family Justice Center to ensure that survivors of sexual offenses receive the necessary support. In light of this incident, the department is urging community members to come forward with any information related to similar occurrences.

Residents with knowledge of other incidents are encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department directly at (828) 252-1110 or the Family Justice Center at (828) 250-6900. For those wishing to provide tips anonymously, the APD has set up a system where individuals can text TIP2APD to 847411 or utilize the TIP2APD smartphone app.

Background on Registered Sex Offenders

The legal framework surrounding registered sex offenders often includes strict regulations on their proximity to schools and playgrounds. These laws are designed to enhance the safety of children and communities by ensuring that those with past convictions adhere to distancing requirements. Registered sex offenders, like Martinez, are typically monitored to mitigate risks associated with reoffending.

This recent arrest highlights ongoing concerns surrounding public safety and the importance of vigilance in community settings. Law enforcement agencies routinely receive reports from the public regarding suspicious activities, which serves as a vital tool in maintaining safety in neighborhoods, especially around schools and areas frequented by children.

The APD remains dedicated to investigating reports of inappropriate behavior and encourages community engagement in preventing crime. Ongoing collaboration with organizations like the Buncombe County Family Justice Center aims to further support victims and raise awareness of issues related to sexual offenses.

As investigations continue, the Asheville community is reminded to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to ensure a safe environment for all residents.