On February 22, 2026, the Asheville Police Department (APD) responded to a report of an attempted robbery on Rumbough Place around 11:37 a.m. The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a prearranged silver sale between the victim and the suspect.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly pepper-sprayed the victim during the transaction. The victim was able to escape and contact the police after the suspect fled the scene. The victim provided the suspect description to police.
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The suspect in the case is James Russell Morrow, 23, turned himself in and faces felony charges of Break/Enter a Motor Vehicle with Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny, and Cruelty to Animals, all felonies.