What started as a late-night scene in downtown Asheville turned into a scramble for cover early Sunday when gunfire ripped through a crowd, injuring nine people and jolting North Lexington Avenue awake.
Officers were called to the 100 block of North Lexington Avenue around 3:15 a.m. Police later said detectives have identified a person of interest and stressed there is no ongoing danger to the public. Most of the injuries were described as minor, and officials said all nine people hurt in the incident were treated and released.
When officers arrived, they found multiple injured people scattered among a large crowd and immediately began rendering aid until EMS could take over, according to WYFF. In a news release, Asheville Police said seven victims were struck by stray gunfire or bullet fragments, one person was hurt while trying to escape to safety, and another was physically assaulted and suffered a concussion. Police said the victims either drove themselves or were taken to Mission Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening…