Asheville police release body-camera video of use-of-force arrest

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The body-worn camera video showing the arrest of Devon Whitmire, 27, by Asheville Police Department officers on May 13, 2023, has been released.

The city of Asheville asked a judge to allow the release of the footage on May 19, and the petition was granted on May 22.

The video allows the public to see the events surrounding the arrest. The public can also hear the words spoken by Whitmire as he was approached by officers.

WARNING: The following video includes unedited body-worn camera footage. Because of the graphic nature of the video and audio, viewer discretion is advised.

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Whitmire was being sought by Asheville police after his family members reported he made violent threats. The city also released a portion of an audio recording of the family member who called authorities to report the threat from Whitmire just days before his arrest.

According to a news release from the Asheville Police Department, this arrest was Whitmire’s 25th in Buncombe County since 2012. Previous charges included assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a female, assault by pointing a gun, assault on a government official, assault on emergency personnel, assault inflicting serious bodily injury and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

VIDEO: DA DECLINES TO REFER ASHEVILLE ARREST TO SBI OVER USE OF FORCE

Police said the officers who located Whitmire on May 13 knew about his violent past. When officers asked him to identify himself, he gave false information. He also claimed to be armed, which proved to be untrue.

Asheville Police Department reviewed the arrest of Whitmire, as is the standard operating procedure, and determined that the officers’ actions during this arrest were reasonable and necessary.

The incident was then referred to the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, which later confirmed the findings of APD’s internal review and cited no probable cause for excessive use of force by officers.