Asheville Police Seek Country Inn Suspect

– Considered Dangerous

At 5:38 p.m. on May 6, 2011 the Asheville Police department received a panic alarm from Country Inn Suites at 845 Brevard Rd. Officers were advised that management was reporting an older white male was on the property and had pointed a handgun at one of the employees and had him lay down on the floor. As the suspect then began to enter one of the motel rooms the employee was able to run to safety and call police.

Officers from Asheville police and Buncombe County Sheriff’s office secured the area and evacuated the hotel; members of the Crisis Negotiation Team responded and attempted contact with the unknown suspect in the last room he was seen entering. Officers cleared every room in the motel and did not locate the suspect.

Video surveillance later showed the suspect was able to leave the property before officers arrived. It is believed the suspect has a master key to access motel rooms in order for him to steal valuables from motel guest.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Asheville police at (828) 252-1110 and not take action on your own. The suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous.