ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police are investigating a shooting that left two people dead and seven others injured early Sunday morning on Biltmore Avenue.

According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue around 2:20 a.m. July 19 after receiving reports of shots fired and multiple people struck.

When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by officers, EMS crews and Asheville Fire Department personnel, two people were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Seven additional victims were transported to Mission Hospital for treatment. Police have not released the extent of their injuries.

Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.

APD detectives and forensic technicians responded to the scene and collected evidence, including numerous shell casings. Investigators identified a large crime scene that stretched along Biltmore Avenue near Short Coxe Avenue and included Short Coxe Avenue to Southside Avenue.

Police said evidence collected during the investigation indicates the shooting may have been connected to a previous gun violence incident.

The area was closed during the investigation but has since reopened.

Before APD released details, 828newsNOW observed a large police presence and forensic investigators working in the area early Sunday morning. Multiple evidence markers were visible, and several vehicles appeared to have damage consistent with gunfire. Gloves, medical supplies and other debris that appeared to have been left behind by emergency crews remained at the scene.

A person at the scene told 828newsNOW that a relative had been killed in what the witness described as a drive-by shooting and that several other people were injured. APD’s update confirmed that two people were killed and multiple others were injured.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

This is a developing story. 828newsNOW will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.
Asheville police officers and forensic investigators process the scene of a deadly shooting along Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue early Sunday morning.