ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police say license plate readers have produced “specific, critical leads” in the investigation of the July 19 Biltmore Avenue shooting that killed two people and injured seven others. The information helped investigators identify vehicles and people connected to the case.
The disclosure comes as Asheville City Council prepares to consider the city’s Flock Safety contract Tuesday.
In an Aug. 14 memo to City Council, interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp said Flock provided “critical investigative information” that helped investigators identify vehicles and individuals connected to the homicide, including what she described as co-conspirators.
“As you are aware, the July 19th shooting on Biltmore Avenue remains an open and active investigation,” Asheville Police Department Public Information Officer Rick Rice said in response to questions from 828newsNOW.
Rice said detectives have interviewed many people as part of the investigation but that no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed.
“There are currently no outstanding warrants related to the case,” he said.
Rice declined to identify a specific type of camera or piece of evidence.
“License Plate Readers have produced specific, critical leads,” he said.
He did not provide additional details about what information investigators obtained or how it was used.
APD operates more than one type of automated license plate reader system, including stationary Flock cameras and mobile ALPR cameras used by officers. The department has not publicly detailed whether the leads referenced by Rice came from Flock’s stationary cameras.
The department also has not identified the people referenced in Stepp’s memo or said whether any of them have been designated suspects or persons of interest.
Rice said investigators continue to work the case.
“As we speak, investigators are continuing their work, which will not stop until those involved in this tragedy are brought to justice,” he said.
Anyone with information that could assist detectives is encouraged to contact Asheville police.