News Summary
The Asheville Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred on Rankin Avenue, resulting in one man’s death and injuries to bystanders. The incident happened shortly after midnight, with 26-year-old Andy Garcia Porras found deceased. Authorities are identifying persons of interest and community safety concerns are on the rise. Residents are urged to come forward with any information related to this incident.
Asheville Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on Rankin Avenue
The Asheville Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that took place early Sunday morning, resulting in one man’s death and several bystanders sustaining injuries. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, around 12:07 a.m., on Rankin Avenue near College Street.
Officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, they found 26-year-old Andy Garcia Porras deceased in the roadway. Authorities have confirmed that Porras’s next of kin has been notified regarding his death. In addition to Porras, several uninvolved bystanders were struck by stray gunfire during the incident. One of the injured bystanders was taken to Mission Hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition, while others with minor grazing injuries were treated at the scene and released.
Investigation Underway
As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives have identified persons of interest and are diligently following investigative leads. This shooting marks the second homicide investigation initiated by the Asheville Police Department in 2023. A previous incident, which began as an “accidental shooting,” has now been classified and is being investigated as a homicide.
Community Impact
The incident has sparked concern within the community. Local venues, including the Asheville Music Hall, have expressed their heartbreak over the shooting, emphasizing the importance of community safety and support for victims and their families.
Call for Public Assistance
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Individuals can contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Additionally, information can be shared anonymously through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Background Context
Gun violence has been a rising concern for many communities across the country, with each incident highlighting the need for increased vigilance and public safety measures. Asheville’s law enforcement continues to work closely with the community to address such issues and ensure that those affected by crime have the support they need. This latest shooting, along with the previous investigation that was reevaluated as a homicide, signals a troubling trend that city officials, residents, and law enforcement are keen to address.
As investigations continue, the priority remains clear: to seek justice for victims and to ensure public safety for all Asheville residents.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
- WYFF: Asheville Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
- Fox Carolina: Police Investigate Shooting in Asheville
- WPSD: One Dead in Downtown Asheville Shooting
- Google Search: 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.
