Asheville -- September 15, 2026: Asheville Police, working in close collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, have charged a 20-year-old man in connection with an April shooting on Atkinson Street. Authorities continue to search for a second suspect, who police say should be considered armed and dangerous.
Lamon Tyrik Smith Jr., 20, was arrested on Sept. 8, 2026, and charged in connection with the April 26, 2026, shooting in the 100 block of Atkinson Street. Smith faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, possessing a weapon of mass destruction, attempted first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, and injury to personal property.
The April incident resulted in injuries to 36-year-old Damien Dean of Asheville, who was shot once in the leg and transported to Mission Hospital. The arrest of Smith highlights a significant inter-agency effort involving the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The search continues for 16-year-old Danvonte Pearson, who is also wanted in connection with the April shooting. Police describe Pearson as a light-skinned Black male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with short black hair and a tattoo above his right eye. Authorities state that Pearson should be considered armed and dangerous. He is also wanted in connection with a later July 5 Asheville shooting.
The U.S. Marshals Service is actively involved in the search for Pearson and is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest. The ongoing investigation into the April shooting is part of a broader series of Asheville shooting investigations tied to Atkinson Street, which has been the scene of other gunfire incidents this year.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information regarding Danvonte Pearson's whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
harged/Served:
Lamon Tyrik Smith Jr. (09/07/2006)
(F) Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill or Inflict Serious Injury
(F) Possessing a Weapon of Mass Destruction
(F) Attempted First Degree Murder
(F) Felony Conspiracy
(M) Injury to Personal Property
Smith was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under NO BOND (ineligible for release) by a magistrate.
Charged/Unserved:
Danvonte Pearson (11/21/2009)
(F) Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill or Inflict Serious Injury
(F) Possessing a Weapon of Mass Destruction
(F) Attempted First Degree Murder
(F) Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder
(M) Injury to Personal Property
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering up to $3,000.00 for information that leads directly to Danvonte Pearson's arrest. Anyone with information on Pearson's whereabouts should contact the U.S. Marshals Service directly at (828)767-1953.
Danvonte Pearson