Police in Highlands, North Carolina, have imposed a lockdown on the town following a man’s claim of being armed and allegedly threatening a daycare center. The mayor reported that a 911 call indicated the presence of a gun with the Highlands Episcopal Church in sight. Subsequently, another call reported a person matching the description of the alleged threat-maker. Consequently, downtown stores were instructed to close, and residents were advised to steer clear of the area.
A notification was issued to Highlands residents warning of a shooting threat near the Highlands Episcopal Church and urging avoidance of the downtown area 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, is popular for outdoor pursuits like hiking, exploring waterfalls such as Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glen Falls, as well as fishing in the Cullasaja River and nearby lakes. The area also offers activities like gem mining, zip-lining, and the Highlands Plateau Greenway trails.
Concerned residents have taken to social media seeking updates on the active threat situation in Highlands. Mayor Pat Taylor confirmed the evacuation of Episcopal Daycare Center, Highlands Daycare Center, and the Methodist Daycare, with the K-12 Highlands School placed on lockdown and plans for a secure pickup under police supervision at day’s end. The suspect remains unidentified, with assistance from NCSBI and the county sheriff’s office underway.
Mayor Taylor indicated the perceived authenticity of the threat, as the individual reportedly made multiple calls to emergency services claiming the presence of a bomb at the church’s daycare center. A bomb disposal unit from Asheville has been dispatched, leading to the closure of all downtown daycare facilities and the Highlands School during the investigation.
Furthermore, the Asheville bomb squad has been summoned in response to a bomb threat, with shops instructed to close and the community urged to steer clear of the town center during this tense situation.