Machete-Wielding Man Apprehended Following Series of Attempted Robberies in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, NC — A suspect armed with a machete is in custody after a series of attempted robberies rattled businesses across Asheville on Monday, January 22, 2024.

The Asheville Police Department responded to multiple emergency calls in quick succession reporting a man brandishing a large blade and demanding money. The suspect targetted several commercial establishments, but in each instance, employees refused to comply or managed to retreat to safety, preventing the suspect from successfully obtaining cash or merchandise.

Police dispatchers coordinated responding units, routing them based on the timeline of the attempted robberies. A description of the suspect was quickly distributed to patrol units. A short time after the final attempted heist, officers spotted a man matching the description near one of the targeted businesses. The suspect was taken into custody after a brief confrontation, and the machete was recovered from the scene.

The suspect has been charged with multiple counts of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. He is currently being held at the Buncombe County Jail. Authorities praised the quick-thinking staff members of the targeted businesses for their actions and noted that the rapid containment of the suspect prevented any injuries from occurring during the crime spree.