Man killed in Asheville officer-involved shooting

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) — A man accused of pointing a rifle at police officers and Asheville residents is dead after an officer-involved shooting occurred Tuesday evening.

According to the Asheville Police Department, officers were called around 5 p.m., receiving reports of a man pointing a rifle at people on Chatham Road.

Officers said the man also assaulted a City of Asheville contract worker with a shovel.

Upon arrival, police asked the man to drop the rifle, but he refused and pointed the rifle at officers. An officer-involved shooting then occurred, with the man retreating in his home.

The man was later found dead inside the home.

Officials have contacted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to continue the shooting investigation.

Police asked the public to avoid the area of Merrimon Avenue and Chatham Road at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.