Police in a small town have placed the community under lockdown following a man’s claim of possessing a gun and allegedly threatening a daycare center. The mayor of Highlands, North Carolina, disclosed that a 911 call was received from an individual asserting they were armed and had the Highlands Episcopal Church in view. Subsequently, another call reported a person matching the description of the alleged threat-maker in the area. As a precaution, downtown stores have been urged to close, and people have been advised to steer clear of the vicinity.
Residents were alerted by the town of Highlands through a notification stating, “Shooting threat near Highlands Episcopal Church. Please avoid downtown until further notice.” The incident remains active, with no additional details disclosed as of now.
Highlands, recognized as an upscale mountain resort town situated on the Highlands Plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes. The town’s unexpected association with a shooting threat has surprised many due to its reputation for scenic beauty.
The area is popular for outdoor pursuits, boasting multiple hiking trails and captivating waterfalls like Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glen Falls. It also offers opportunities for fishing in the Cullasaja River and nearby lakes, as well as activities such as gem mining, zip-lining, and the Highlands Plateau Greenway trails.
Concerned residents have taken to social media seeking updates on the ongoing situation in Highlands. One Facebook user inquired about any developments beyond the active status, expressing curiosity about the nature of the threat. Another individual confirmed the continued lockdown in town, indicating the threat remains active.
Numerous individuals have expressed astonishment that a threat has emerged in a location like Highlands. Comments on social media reflected disbelief, with one person stating, “Never, in my wildest dreams, would this ever happen in Highlands,” while another agreed, “Crazy. Not in beautiful Highlands.”
Mayor Pat Taylor of Highlands confirmed the evacuation of the Episcopal Daycare Center, Highlands Daycare Center, and the Methodist Daycare. The K-12 Highlands School is currently in lockdown, with plans for a secure pickup at day’s end under police supervision.
The suspect’s identity remains unknown, prompting the assistance of the NCSBI and the county sheriff’s office in the investigation. Mayor Taylor emphasized the perceived authenticity of the threat, dismissing any speculation of it being a hoax.
The individual allegedly made two emergency calls, also claiming the presence of a bomb within the daycare center at the church. A bomb disposal team from Asheville has been dispatched to the town, prompting the closure of all downtown daycare facilities and the Highlands School while authorities conduct inquiries.
Furthermore, in response to a bomb threat, the Asheville bomb squad has been summoned to provide support. Local businesses have been requested to close, and the community has been advised to avoid the town center for safety precautions.