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Asheville Police investigating shots fired; schools in area placed on lockdown, now lifted


The Asheville Police Department is on the scene of a report of gunshots fired in the area of Black Street. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
The Asheville Police Department is on the scene of a report of gunshots fired in the area of Black Street. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
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The Asheville Police Department responded to a report of shots fired on Black Street around 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept 10, 2019. Upon arrival, officers found shell casings outside Erskine apartments. There are no known injuries or damage to property and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Due to the proximity of the incident, Asheville High School, Asheville Middle School and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College underwent perimeter lockdown procedures but quickly resumed normal activity once it was determined that there was no safety threat in the area.

It was a scary situation for those stuck inside during the lockdown.

“We all just sat down. Turned the lights off. Closed the windows. Made sure no one can see in,” A-B Tech student India Lewis said.

Many people, like Lewis, did not know what was actually happening nearby.

“It was scary because it sounds off on the intercom system, like really loud, and you don’t know what’s going on immediately,” she added.

It was even scarier for students like Camela Mouat, who aren't from this country.

“All of this situation is really strange for me,” she said.

It’s something she said isn't normal in Chile, where she’s from.

“Anybody can have, like, guns here,” Mouat added.

Anyone with information is asked to call APD at 828-252-1110 or Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050. Callers may remain anonymous through both of these numbers.

In a statement released by the Asheville School system, they said, "Asheville High School, SILSA and Asheville Middle School were placed on a perimeter lockdown today around 10:55 AM due to an incident in the community. Despite miscommunication from A-B Tech, shots were NOT fired on the campus of Asheville High School and SILSA. At no time were our students and staff members threatened or in any danger. All are safe. During a perimeter lockdown, all students remain inside the building, and all building doors that lead outside are locked. Our lockdown plan worked exactly as anticipated. Normal school activities continued within the building. The lockdown was lifted at 11:37 AM."

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wlos.com for updates.

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