ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
A reward has been offered in two vehicle vandalism cases related to the recently approved Business Improvement District (BID) in downtown Asheville.
The special BID district, which will collect special property taxes within the downtown zone to use for public safety and cleanliness efforts that supplement, not replace, city services, garnered support from business groups but also faced a lot of vocal opposition from numerous speakers before its approval June 11.
The Asheville Police Department is investigating two vandalism cases that targeted members of a task force that successfully advocated for the creation of the BID.
On June 6, 2024, in the days leading up to the final vote on June 11, a member of the BID task force found their vehicle with its tires slashed, an “A” anarchy symbol painted on its hood and the words “NO BID” spray painted on the side.
Following the final vote, a second committee member found their vehicle in their driveway with its tires slashed, the anarchy symbol on the back window and a profane message spray painted on the side.
Citing concerns for their own safety, some BID backers did not even attend the public meeting where the City Council voted 6-1 to approve the plan.
Asked if security had been beefed-up around the homes of BID task force members, Asheville Police Department spokesperson Rick Rice said: “APD prioritizes proactive assessment of all potential threats to public safety and responds accordingly. This proactive approach involves measures such as extra checks, which aim to increase patrols in areas where there is suspicion or potential for criminal activity, including neighborhoods where members of the BID Steering Committee reside, who may be at risk of targeting. Ensuring the safety and security of all community members remains our utmost priority.”
While Asheville police continue their investigation, community members concerned about public safety are now offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for vandalizing the vehicles of two BID Steering Committee members. Police would not say specifically who funded the reward.
“We are unable to disclose further details due to safety concerns related to the circumstances of the reward being offered,” Rice said.
In an anonymous online “communique” posted Tuesday, June 18, on the alternative Abolition Media site, an unknown person or group took credit for the vandalism and hinted that they have the names and addresses of other adversaries, “along with their state counterparts in local government.”
“Investigators are aware of the claims made by Abolition Media and are continuing their investigation,” Rice said.
Police asked anyone with information about the incidents or identification of the individuals involved to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-271-6128.
