Convicted Felons Arrested with Firearms During Crime Prevention Operation

Asheville -- December 19, 2024: Asheville Police Department Press Release: The Asheville Police Department arrested

two convicted felons and seized two firearms during a crime prevention operation in west Asheville Tuesday night.

While conducting proactive enforcement off of Haywood Road on the evening of December 17th, detectives observed occupants of a vehicle carrying a gun, using illegal drugs, and drinking tequila. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on Bradley Street after the vehicle was seen traveling the wrong way on Granada Street and weaving between lanes. During the stop, Derontrez Coleman (11/26/1991) and Marlon Beatty (07/13/1982) were found to be in possession of firearms. They were taken into custody without incident.

Arrested:

Derontrez Coleman (11/26/1991)

-Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

-Carrying a Concealed Gun

-Possession of Schedule VI

Coleman was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $55,000 (or $5,500 to a bondsman) secured bond issued by a magistrate.

Marlon Beatty (07/13/1982)

-Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

-Carrying a Concealed Gun

-Driving While Intoxicated

-Possession of Schedule VI

-Open Container

-Tint Violation

-Driving While License Revoked

Beatty was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $52,000 (or $5,200 to a bondsman) secured bond issued by a magistrate.

This operation underscores APD’s commitment to public safety and proactive measures to reduce violent crime.

Anyone with information about criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone application (search "Asheville PD" in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

Cover Image: WNCTimes

Image Below: Asheville Police Department