In the heart of downtown Asheville, nightlife is often pulsating with energy and excitement. However, recent incidents have left many patrons concerned about safety. Michael Stonehocker, a 28-year-old restaurant worker, frequently visits downtown bars to unwind. But a recent night out at Shakey’s turned unexpectedly alarming.
Stonehocker described an evening that began normally but took a dark turn around 2 a.m. when gunfire erupted. “I remember I was outside on the balcony,” he recalled. “I heard a pop and it was just like one pop. I’m like, that could be anything, you know. Then it was like a couple minutes later it was like four pops. And I’m like, ‘That’s unmistakable.’”
Shakey’s staff quickly ushered patrons back inside, leaving Stonehocker and others in a state of confusion and fear. “As far as I know, I don’t know if it’s like a mass shooter or it’s just, you know, some drunk dude,” he said. The source of the chaos was identified by Asheville Police as a 26-year-old Saluda resident, Arturo Castillo Palomar, who fired shots in the parking lot before being fatally shot by an officer.
This incident has led to heightened anxiety about Asheville’s nightlife. “You want to go there to have fun and not worry about real life for a little bit,” Stonehocker said. “And these things just kind of make you not want to go. They make you reconsider where you want to spend your time.”
Just days later, another shooting near Dalton Distillery resulted in two deaths and seven injuries, adding to the tension. Preliminary investigations suggest it may be tied to previous violence, but details remain sparse.
The Asheville area has seen a series of violent events, with May and March incidents also contributing to the community’s unease. Police data indicates a variable pattern in firearm-related assaults, with numbers peaking at 76 in 2024, dipping to 46 in 2025, and rising to 53 this year so far. Firearm-related homicides have also increased, with four reported by July 23 this year compared to three the previous year.
While Asheville Police declined an interview, they noted via email that recent shootings often stem from personal disputes that escalate. The police department continues its efforts to address these incidents, including working with state and federal agencies as part of a Gun Violence Task Force.
Amidst these security concerns, local businesses and workers feel the impact, especially as they strive to recover from past challenges like Hurricane Helene. Tyler Kotch, owner of Pie.Zaa, fears that media portrayals of violence could deter tourists. “Making sure that the tourists keep on coming is very important. And having the perspective of this being a safe place is also something that’s important,” Kotch emphasized.
Echoing this sentiment, DJ and business manager Mike Martinez believes that fear of violence is affecting businesses. “As far as I can tell, being on this block every day, it seems like every business is suffering from it,” he observed. Yet, Martinez remains hopeful, viewing downtown as a vibrant place where memorable connections are forged. “Some of the most beautiful things happen, too,” he said. “How many people have met their significant other on the dance floor on a Friday night? Or their best friend? There are so many different possibilities of what could happen on a night out.”
