Police have placed a small town on 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 visual access to the Highlands Episcopal Church. Subsequently, a second call reported sighting a person matching the description of the threat-maker. Downtown establishments were instructed to shut down, and residents were advised to steer clear of the area.
A notification was issued to Highlands residents concerning a shooting threat near the Highlands Episcopal Church, urging them to refrain from visiting downtown until further notice. No further details have been disclosed about the ongoing incident. Highlands, renowned for its scenic beauty, is a prestigious mountain resort town situated on the Highlands Plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina.
The region is celebrated for its outdoor pursuits, including various hiking trails and captivating waterfalls such as Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glen Falls. Additionally, fishing in the Cullasaja River and nearby lakes, gem mining, zip-lining, and the Highlands Plateau Greenway trails are popular activities.
Numerous residents have taken to social media seeking updates on the active threat in Highlands. Expressing astonishment, many individuals commented that they never expected such an occurrence in the picturesque town. Mayor Pat Taylor of Highlands confirmed the evacuation of the Episcopal Daycare Center, Highlands Daycare Center, and the Methodist Daycare.
Furthermore, the K-12 Highlands School has been locked down, with a secure pickup arrangement scheduled at day end under police supervision. The suspect remains unidentified, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) is collaborating with the county sheriff’s office in the investigation. Mayor Pat Taylor emphasized the perceived authenticity of the threat and ruled out any possibility of a hoax.
The individual reportedly made two emergency calls, also alleging the presence of a bomb at the daycare center located within the church premises. An Asheville bomb disposal team has been dispatched to Highlands. As a precaution, all downtown daycare facilities and the Highlands School have been closed while authorities conduct a thorough inquiry.
Moreover, Mayor Taylor highlighted a bomb threat, prompting the deployment of the Asheville bomb squad for assistance. Residents have been urged to avoid the town center, and local shops have been requested to suspend operations temporarily.