Asheville Police Cautious on Labeling Shootings as Gang-Related Amidst Legal Scrutiny
The Asheville Police Department is hesitant to label recent shootings as "gang-related" due to strict legal definitions and the potential for sentencing enhancements. The department requires concrete evidence of a gang's existence, membership, and that the crime was committed in…
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 20, 2026 —
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is exercising caution when classifying recent shooting incidents, often refraining from labeling them as “gang-related.” This deliberate approach stems from stringent legal definitions and the significant implications such a designation can have on sentencing enhancements.
For the APD to officially classify a crime as gang-related, the department must possess concrete evidence. This evidence needs to establish the existence of a specific gang, confirm the membership of individuals involved, and demonstrate that the crime was committed in furtherance of that gang’s activities. Without this level of proof, the department avoids making such categorizations.
This cautious stance is further informed by a past controversy in 2019, during which statements made by the APD regarding gang activity reportedly faced public backlash. The department appears to be mindful of avoiding similar situations by adhering to strict evidentiary standards.
In a separate matter, the article also provides clarification regarding traffic regulations at a specific intersection. It has been confirmed that making a right turn on red at the newly signalized Long Shoals Road exit from Interstate 26 Westbound is permissible in North Carolina. This maneuver is legal as long as drivers come to a complete stop and ensure the path is clear of traffic. Currently, no signage is in place to prohibit this action.
Story summarized from the original created by JOHN BOYLE on avlwatchdog.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
