BUNCOMBE COUNTY -- A Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) detective is recovering after being struck and dragged by a vehicle during an investigation on Monday morning. The incident sparked a chaotic multi-county pursuit involving several stolen vehicles before the suspect was eventually taken into custody.
The Initial Encounter
Just after 10:30 a.m. on March 23, 2026, BCSO detectives were conducting a follow-up investigation at a residence on Odonald Road in the Leicester community. During the investigation, detectives encountered Mitchell Monroe Gunter, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
As detectives attempted to engage, Gunter allegedly struck and dragged Detective Watemon Jones with his vehicle before fleeing the scene. Detective Jones was transported to Mission Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and subsequently released.
A Trail of Stolen Vehicles
Gunter’s attempt to evade capture led to a series of collisions and vehicle thefts across the region:
Old Leicester Highway: Gunter was involved in a collision at the intersection of Old Leicester Highway and Mount Carmel Road.
Marsh Propane Theft: Immediately following that crash, Gunter stole a truck belonging to the Marsh Propane Company and fled.
Aiken Road: He drove the propane truck to 315 Aiken Road, where he abandoned it and stole a second vehicle.
Multi-County Pursuit: Law enforcement officers engaged Gunter in high-speed pursuits through Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties.
The pursuit ended in a final collision, after which Gunter was airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville. He remains under medical treatment and is currently in the custody of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Extensive List of Charges
Following the day's events, BCSO Detectives have charged Gunter with a litany of offenses, including:
Assault on a law enforcement officer inflicting injury
Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official
Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
Felony Hit and Run
Resist, Delay, or Obstructing an Officer
Failure to Report an Accident
Driving with Expired Registration / License Revoked
Operating a Vehicle with No Insurance
Failure to Stop at a Red Light
Additionally, the Weaverville Police Department has charged Gunter with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle for the incident occurring within their jurisdiction. The initial collision at Mount Carmel Road remains under investigation by the NC State Highway Patrol.