Kayaker Drowns On Linville River (McDowell County, NC)
An out-of-state kayaker who was traveling the Linville River Saturday night is dead in a drowning. Rescue teams from Burke and McDowell Counties responded to the Pinch-In Trail near Linville Gorge, where it took around six hours to recover the man's body. The trail is said to be very steep terrain that makes recovery efforts time consuming.
Suspect Jailed For Kidnapping, Shooting (Caldwell County, NC)
A 25-year-old man is accused of kidnapping three people in Hickory and taking them to Caldwell County, where he shot one. The shooting victim was found after a fight broke out in the Sawmills Community. He is now in stable condition. Police caught and arrested Brendan Withers after he ran off to a hospital in Morganton to seek medical treatment. The other two kidnapping victims were found and are said to be unharmed.
Man Accused Of Sex Crimes From 30-Plus Years Ago (Hendersonville, NC)
A Hendersonville man is being accused of rape and indecent liberties that involved multiple children. Larry Coggins was arrested for alleged abuse that happened more than 30 years ago with two children. Sheriff's Major Frank Stout says the initial news of Coggins' arrest led one of the victims to come forward. Any other possible victims are urged to call the sheriff's office.
Asheville Man Charged With Murder In Overdose (Buncombe County, NC)
An Asheville man is facing murder charges in a fentanyl overdose last fall. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office says Kevin Mack Shepherd supplied the drugs that led to the death of Jared Runyon. Shepherd was already in jail for misdemeanor larceny charges when he was charged with second-degree murder last week.
Fire Damages Asheville Apartments (Asheville, NC)
The Asheville Fire Department is searching for the cause of a blaze that damaged six apartments west of downtown. More than 50 firefighters helped knock down a fire that spread through the Hillcrest Apartments on Atkinson Street. Part of the roof collapsed into a unit. The department says around 12 people were displaced because of the fire. No injuries were reported.
Two WCU Players Heading To The Pros (Cullowhee, NC)
Two Western Carolina Catamounts are headed to the NFL. Defensive back Keion Crossen became the school's first player since 1994 to be drafted. He was taken by the New England Patriots in the seventh round. The university also reports that all-purpose back Detrez Newsome signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent.