Buncombe County, NC · Daily edition

Buncombe County news for Tuesday, October 27, 2026

2 stories from Buncombe County, in about three minutes.

Public Safety · Buncombe County

Manhunt Underway After Oct. 26 Arden Break-In; Residents Told to Shelter

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office deputies responded shortly after noon Monday, Oct. 26, to a breaking and entering at a home in Arden, N.C., where the suspect fled on foot. Authorities identified the suspect as Durrell Marquise Norris, who has multiple outstanding warrants including attempted first-degree murder, assault by strangulation, and possession of firearm by felon, several stemming from a May 2026 downtown Asheville shooting. A search using drones covered the area around Glenn Bridge Road and New Rockwood Road, and residents along those roads and Bradley Branch Road were asked to remain indoors during the afternoon. Authorities reported Norris had not been located as of publication.

Source: ABC 13 News Read the full story ↗

Local Politics · Asheville, NC

Asheville Council Candidates Debate Police Surveillance Tools

Asheville City Council candidates are addressing the city's use of police surveillance technologies, including license plate readers and the Real-Time Intelligence Center. Keith Young and Kim Roney signed a pledge from the Asheville Democratic Socialists of America opposing future automated license plate readers and terminating contracts with Axon. Other candidates offered varied responses: Drew Ball advocated for case-by-case evaluations to preserve body cameras as accountability tools, while Jeffrey Burroughs expressed support for civil liberties but stopped short of rejecting surveillance entirely. Incumbents Maggie Ullman, Antanette Mosley, and Sheneika Smith did not sign the pledge; their recent votes on terminating the Flock contract reflected differing views on balancing privacy with public safety.

Source: Blue Ridge Public Radio Read the full story ↗