Angy Garcia Porras Obituary, Death; – City police have decided not to file charges against a man involved in a gunfight in downtown Asheville, as authorities stated he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Angy Garcia Porras.
Following the outbreak of gunfire on Rankin Avenue near College Street at approximately 12:07 a.m. on June 1, detectives from the Asheville Police Department examined a “significant amount of physical and digital evidence” and conducted “an extensive series of interviews” with victims and witnesses, as indicated in a news release dated June 4. After discussions with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, officials concluded that charges would not be pursued, according to the release.
The incident commenced when the “bouncer” of a local nightclub observed two men, one of whom was identified as Porras, 26, “harassing a group of women,” as reported by both the APD and the district attorney’s office. When the security guard refused the men entry into the club, an argument ensued between Porras’ friend and the guard, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
A patron of the club intervened to assist the security guard and attempted to deescalate the situation, as stated in the news release. The altercation persisted, and witnesses reported hearing Porras declare his intention to retrieve a gun from his vehicle before departing the scene.
Shortly thereafter, Porras returned “with a gun in his hand,” according to the APD’s release. Following a “scuffle” with Porras, the patron drew his firearm, and both he and Porras began exchanging gunfire. Upon the arrival of officers, they discovered Porras deceased in the roadway.
Stray bullets impacted several bystanders, as reported by police. One victim was transported to Mission Hospital, while others sustained minor grazing injuries that were treated on-site. Forensic technicians located approximately 22 shell casings following the shooting.
The patron who discharged his weapon fled the scene but subsequently surrendered to the police. The APD’s release noted that he has “cooperated in all facets of the investigation.”
Both firearms involved in the shooting have been recovered, according to police. The news release from the District Attorney’s Office also mentions that the North Carolina Supreme Court has determined that the u
“Our sympathies go out to the Porras family, and all impacted by this incredibly tragic event,” District Attorney Todd Williams said in the news release. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life, a loss that starkly reminds us of the serious public safety concerns surrounding guns and alcohol.”
