Asheville, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville Police Department has arrested Juan Francisco Martinez Jr. in connection with a shooting incident that occurred early on August 30. The shooting took place at the intersection of North Lexington Avenue and Hiawassee Street following a disturbance that began inside the Tiger Mountain Bar. A victim was seriously injured and transported to Mission Hospital. Authorities are urging the public to report any sighting of Martinez, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Asheville – The Asheville Police Department has charged Juan Francisco Martinez Jr., a 36-year-old man, in connection with a shooting incident that took place early Sunday morning, August 30, 2025. The incident occurred around 12:37 a.m. at the intersection of North Lexington Avenue and Hiawassee Street.
Upon hearing gunfire while patrolling the area, an officer quickly responded and found a victim suffering from a serious gunshot wound to the leg. Immediate life-saving measures were taken, including the application of a tourniquet, until the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived to transport the victim to Mission Hospital for treatment.
Investigators reported that the shooting stemmed from a disturbance involving several individuals after a fight commenced inside the Tiger Mountain Bar. Following the initial altercation, the parties involved exited the bar and continued their dispute a block away in a parking lot. During this second fight, a male suspect retrieved a large-caliber handgun from a vehicle and fired at another male before fleeing the scene on foot.
Martinez is currently being sought by law enforcement, with a description of him as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, possessing black hair and brown eyes. Authorities are treating Martinez as armed and dangerous and are urging the public not to approach him if spotted, but rather to call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information regarding Martinez’s whereabouts is encouraged to reach out to the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. The department also welcomes anonymous tips via the TIP2APD smartphone app or text messages by sending “TIP2APD” to 847411.
Multiple witnesses have been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation, and police have collected critical physical evidence from the scene. A person of interest has been identified; however, authorities do not believe there is an ongoing specific threat to the public related to this incident. The investigation remains active as police continue their efforts to gather relevant information.
Please stay tuned for updates as the Asheville Police Department works diligently to bring the responsible parties to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the shooting incident in Asheville?
A shooting occurred early on August 30, 2025, following a fight that broke out at Tiger Mountain Bar. The incident escalated to a second altercation in a nearby parking lot, where a suspect, Juan Francisco Martinez Jr., shot another male.
Who is Juan Francisco Martinez Jr.?
Juan Francisco Martinez Jr. is a 36-year-old man charged by the Asheville Police Department in connection with the shooting. He is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, and is considered armed and dangerous.
What should I do if I see Juan Francisco Martinez Jr.?
If you see Martinez, you should not approach him. Instead, call 911 immediately and provide any information to law enforcement.
How can I provide information to the Asheville Police Department?
Individuals with information regarding the incident or Martinez’s whereabouts can call 828-252-1110 or submit anonymous tips via the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411.
Is there any ongoing threat to the public?
As per the investigations conducted by the Asheville Police Department, there is currently no ongoing specific threat to the public related to this incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 30, 2025 |
| Location | North Lexington Avenue near Hiawassee Street, Asheville |
| Time of Incident | 12:37 a.m. |
| Suspect | Juan Francisco Martinez Jr. |
| Victim’s Condition | Serious gunshot wound, transported to Mission Hospital |
| Police Response | Immediate aid provided, ongoing investigation |
| Public Advisory | Martinez considered armed and dangerous; do not confront |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Convicted Felon Charged in Downtown Shooting
- WSPA: 1 Injured After Bar Fight Leads to Shooting
- Fox Carolina: Convicted Felon Charged with Shooting
- Wikipedia: Asheville
- 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.
