ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police say nine people were injured during a shooting early Sunday morning in downtown Asheville, though authorities say most of the injuries were minor.
Officers with the Asheville Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 3:13 a.m. March 8 in the 100 block of North Lexington Avenue. When officers arrived, they encountered a large crowd fleeing the area and found several people injured.
Police said seven individuals were struck by stray gunfire or fragments during the incident. Another person was injured while attempting to reach safety, and one person suffered a concussion after being physically assaulted during the disturbance.
All nine people were treated by emergency medical personnel and later released, according to police.
Detectives say they have identified a person of interest and are continuing to follow leads as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.