Buncombe County -- A suspect has been arrested in connection with a reported attack on a woman running in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, bringing a sense of relief and reassurance to the local outdoor community. Dillion James Curtis, 29, was taken into custody in Henderson County on warrants stemming from the incident.
The swift apprehension follows a reported attack on Emily Sutherland, an Asheville-based outdoor content creator and trail runner. Sutherland publicly described being confronted by a man while finishing a 13-mile run in the popular Bent Creek Experimental Forest, just south of Asheville. The incident reportedly occurred in the Bent Creek area on Thursday, according to reports.
According to reports, Sutherland stated that a man confronted and attacked her, attempting to punch her multiple times. She also reported that the man threatened to "knock me out and drag me into the woods." She called 911 during or immediately after the confrontation. The Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Center confirmed receiving a call from the woman alleging the attack.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office responded rapidly to the report, contacting Sutherland and assisting her in filing warrants related to the incident. These warrants led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Curtis. He was located and arrested in Henderson County, adjacent to Buncombe County, soon after the warrants were issued.
The Bent Creek area is a vital recreational hub for Western North Carolina, heavily used by trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. News of the alleged attack had caused significant concern among outdoor enthusiasts. The arrest of a suspect has been widely characterized by local officials and community members as a crucial step in restoring peace of mind for those who frequent the area's trails.
Curtis was arrested today and faces multiple misdemeanors, including the following:
Assault on a female
False imprisonment
Interfering with emergency communication
Communicating threats