Asheville -- April 22, 2026: A Tuesday night confrontation at a South Asheville business has left one suspect dead and an Asheville Police Department (APD) officer injured. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) has been called in to lead the inquiry into the officer-involved shooting.
Incident at 1900 Hendersonville Road
The incident began at approximately 9:45 p.m. on April 21, 2026, when APD officers responded to reports of an individual armed with a firearm at a business at 1978 Hendersonville Road.
According to preliminary reports from the APD:
As officers approached the entrance of the establishment, the suspect reportedly fired through a glass door.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning.
Condition of the Officer
One Asheville police officer sustained injuries during the exchange. While initial reports were concerned about gunfire, officials confirmed the officer’s injuries were caused by shattering glass during the shooting. The officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Standard Protocol and Next Steps
In accordance with standard procedure for any officer-involved shooting in North Carolina, the NCSBI has assumed the lead role in the investigation. The APD will also conduct an internal administrative review to ensure all department policies were followed.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased suspect or the names of the officers involved, pending notification of family and further investigation.