Police have placed a small town under lockdown following a man’s claim of having a gun and allegedly threatening a daycare center. The mayor of Highlands, North Carolina, disclosed that a 911 call was received from an individual claiming to be armed, with the Highlands Episcopal Church in their line of sight.
Authorities reported a second call identifying a person matching the description of the suspect who made the threat. Downtown establishments were instructed to shut down, and residents were advised to steer clear of the area. A notification was issued to Highlands residents stating, “Shooting threat near Highlands Episcopal Church. Please avoid downtown until further notice.”
Details on the ongoing incident remain limited. Highlands, known for its picturesque setting as an upscale mountain resort town on the Highlands Plateau in Western North Carolina’s Southern Appalachian Mountains, has been rattled by the shooting threat.
The area is renowned for outdoor pursuits, including numerous hiking trails and waterfalls like Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glen Falls. Additionally, it offers fishing opportunities in the Cullasaja River and nearby lakes, gem mining, zip-lining, and the Highlands Plateau Greenway trails.
Concerned residents have taken to social media seeking updates on the situation in Highlands, which remains active per the police. Discussions online reflect surprise at the threat in a place like Highlands, as one comment read, “Never, in my wildest dreams, would this ever happen in Highlands.”
Mayor Pat Taylor of Highlands confirmed the evacuation of Episcopal Daycare Center, Highlands Daycare Center, and the Methodist Daycare. K-12 Highlands School is on lockdown, with a secure pickup arrangement at day’s end under police supervision.
The suspect remains unidentified, with the NCSBI and county sheriff’s office providing assistance. Mayor Taylor affirms the credibility of the threat, dismissing it as not a hoax.
The individual reportedly made two emergency calls, also alleging a bomb at the daycare center within the church. A bomb disposal team from Asheville has been dispatched. All downtown daycare facilities and Highlands School are closed during the police investigation.
Furthermore, a bomb threat prompted the involvement of the Asheville bomb squad, leading to shop closures and advisories for the community to avoid the town center.