Security Threat Leads To Hospital Lockdown (Asheville, NC)
The Asheville Police Department says Mission Hospital was on lockdown yesterday after a suspect called in phone threats. The entire Asheville campus was under the lockdown for more than three hours during the security threat. WLOS-TV says the man who called in was located and being cared for by mental health workers.
Police Chief Threatens Lawsuit Against Former Captain (Asheville, NC)
Asheville's police chief is threatening a lawsuit against a former captain. The Citizen-Times says ex-captain Mark Byrd has been accused of circulating damaging rumors about chief Tammy Hooper. Hooper fired Byrd earlier this month for alleged improper conduct during an investigation into last August's police beating of an accused jaywalker.
Sheriff's Cadet Accused Of Sex Offenses With Child (Newland, NC)
A former Watauga County Sheriff's Office cadet charged with felony sex offenses with a child is expected in court today. Matthew Paul Nieland was accused of multiple encounters while he was an Appalachian State Criminal Justice intern. Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman fired Nieland in the middle of his 12-week training program.
Police Investigate Drive-By Shooting (Asheville, NC)
Investigators are looking for suspects from a drive-by shooting that damaged an Asheville convenience store. Asheville Police are reviewing security footage after a car drove by Saturday night and opened fire towards the Haywood Quickstop on Haywood Road. At least one gas pump and the building were hit by bullets. No one was injured.
Murder Suspect's Mother Arrested On Drug Charges (Madison County, NC)
The mother of a Mills River murder suspect is facing drug charges. The mother of Phillip Stroupe the Second was one of 13 people arrested in Madison County for using and selling meth. Stroupe was arrested after a five-day manhunt one year ago for the alleged murder of Thomas Bryson.
Clingmans Dome Tower Re-opens Today (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC)
Clingmans Dome Tower is expected to re-open today in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors should be aware of construction equipment still along the trail. The tower has been closed twice this summer for a rehab project. Crews have been finishing up surface overlay work.