Police Investigate Early Morning Shooting on Banks Avenue
Asheville Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the Banks Avenue area shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, and found seven shell casings near Banks Avenue and Church Street. No injuries or property damage were reported, and investigators are asking local residents to provide tips to assist the ongoing investigation.
On Jan. 5, 2026, at about 2:18 a.m., Asheville Police Department officers heard gunfire in the Banks Avenue corridor and canvassed the area, locating seven shell casings near the intersection of Banks Avenue and Church Street. Investigators determined that the shots were fired from a moving vehicle identified as a black Toyota RAV4 in the 30 block of Banks Avenue, and that the driver fled the scene before officers arrived.
Police reported that no one was struck by gunfire and there have been no reports of property damage related to the incident. Officers secured the scene and collected evidence as part of an active investigation into the discharge of a firearm from a vehicle. As of this report, authorities have not announced any arrests or released additional suspect information.
The presence of gunfire in a residential and commercial corridor raises immediate safety concerns for people who live, work and visit western Buncombe County. Banks Avenue serves as a connector for neighborhoods, small businesses and late-night activity; even when incidents do not cause physical injury, they can disrupt the community and heighten anxiety among residents. Local leaders and public safety officials will likely weigh how to balance increased patrols and investigations with ongoing community policing efforts to sustain trust.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. People may also submit an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411. Timely tips from neighbors and nearby businesses can be critical to identifying witnesses, corroborating timelines and locating any video footage that may have captured the vehicle or movement in the area.
This episode serves as a reminder for residents to report suspicious activity and to check in with neighbors, particularly those who live or operate businesses along Banks Avenue and adjacent streets. The APD investigation remains ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward so investigators can pursue leads and work to restore a sense of safety in the neighborhood.
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