Public Safety · Buncombe County
A Tesla driven by Bradley Lanier of Taylors, S.C., was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of I-26 near Exit 37 in Buncombe County, N.C., Thursday afternoon when it struck a Honda SUV head-on and then a Honda passenger car. Jimmy Lee Brooks of Leicester died at Mission Hospital; three other occupants sustained serious injuries, and two others were treated for minor injuries. The crash began around 2:31 p.m. and the I-26 Eastbound closure was cleared by 4:27 p.m., after causing miles-long backups. Lanier faces multiple charges including DWI and is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $5 million bond. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol says the collision remains under investigation.
Crime · Asheville, NC
Bruce Haddock was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 22, to serve 84 days in jail after pleading guilty to assault on a female and indecent exposure in Buncombe County District Court. The conviction follows years of accusations from women in Asheville's Montford neighborhood who reported being followed or made unsafe by Haddock. Due to North Carolina's structured sentencing laws and his status as a Prior Record Level 2 offender, the judge could not impose active jail time for the indecent exposure charge alone, but the combined sentence reflects the assault conviction. The court raised questions regarding Haddock's mental health during proceedings, though no further terms were imposed.
Local Politics · Buncombe County
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission held a public hearing Wednesday on a proposed rule prohibiting negligent bear feeding in Buncombe County, identical to an emergency rule that took effect Monday. The temporary rule would extend the prohibition beyond the emergency period and includes exceptions for feeding birds, pets, livestock, and lawful use of bait to take game animals. Residents at the hearing expressed support but raised concerns about the rule's temporary status and the hunting-bait exception. The public comment period runs through November 6; comments may be submitted online or via email at regulations@ncwildlife.gov.
Local Politics · Buncombe County
Buncombe County recorded 39,869 early voters through Oct. 21, representing 18.1% of registered voters, according to county statistics released Oct. 22. Democrats cast 18,639 ballots compared with 4,861 for Republicans and 16,274 unaffiliated voters. The busiest single day was Monday, Oct. 19, with 7,843 voters, followed by Friday, Oct. 16, with 7,628. Among the county's 13 polling sites, South Buncombe Branch Library led cumulative turnout with 5,252 voters, followed by Weaverville Community Center with 5,021. Early voting continues through Oct. 31 with polling sites closed on Sundays; Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
