Police have placed a small town under lockdown following a man’s claim of possessing a gun and 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 their view.
Authorities stated that a second call reported sighting a person matching the description of the alleged threat-maker. As a precaution, downtown stores were instructed to close, and residents were advised to steer clear of the area. An alert was issued to Highlands residents, warning of a “Shooting threat near Highlands Episcopal Church” and urging avoidance of downtown until further notice.
Details on the ongoing incident are scarce. Highlands, known for its picturesque landscapes, is an upscale mountain resort town on the Highlands Plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. The town offers various outdoor activities, including hiking trails, waterfalls like Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Glen Falls, as well as fishing opportunities in the Cullasaja River and nearby lakes. Additionally, residents can enjoy 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 law enforcement. Expressing disbelief, individuals commented on the rarity of such threats in a serene location like Highlands.
Mayor Pat Taylor confirmed the evacuation of Episcopal Daycare Center, Highlands Daycare Center, and the Methodist Daycare. The K-12 Highlands School is on lockdown, with police presence planned for secure pick-up arrangements at the end of the day. The suspect remains unidentified, with the NCSBI and county sheriff’s office assisting in the investigation.
Mayor Taylor emphasized the perceived authenticity of the threat and ruled out a potential hoax. The individual reportedly made two emergency calls, also claiming a bomb threat at the daycare center within the church premises. A bomb disposal unit from Asheville has been dispatched to Highlands.
All downtown daycare facilities and the Highlands School are closed as authorities probe the incident. In response to an additional bomb threat, the Asheville bomb squad has been summoned for support. Businesses are urged to shut down, and the community is advised to avoid the town center for safety precautions.
