News

Patrons restrain armed man at Black Mountain restaurant, police say

Patrons restrain armed man at Black Mountain restaurant, police say

Charles Donald Wilson Photo: Contributed/Buncombe County Sheriff's Office


BLCK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A 76-year-old man is facing multiple charges after police say he returned to a Black Mountain restaurant with a firearm Thursday evening after allegedly threatening employees earlier in the day.

According to the Black Mountain Police Department, officers responded to Trailhead Restaurant at about 5:37 p.m. July 2 after receiving reports that Charles Donald Wilson had returned to the business following an earlier disturbance.

Police said Wilson had been asked to leave the restaurant after making inappropriate and disparaging comments toward an employee. During that encounter, investigators say he threatened to return with a firearm and harm people inside the restaurant.

Authorities said Wilson returned to the restaurant while armed and made statements and actions that caused immediate concern for the safety of patrons and staff.

Before officers arrived, several people inside the restaurant intervened, disarmed and restrained Wilson until police took him into custody without further incident.

Wilson was transported to the Buncombe County Detention Facility and charged with going armed to the terror of the public, brandishing a firearm and intoxicated and disruptive behavior. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

No serious injuries were reported.

In a news release, the Black Mountain Police Department praised the rrestaurant staff and patrons who responded during the incident, calling their actions courageous and saying they helped bring the situation to a safe resolution.

“While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in Black Mountain, they are inherently dangerous and unpredictable,” the department said. “The calm actions and assistance provided by citizens on scene contributed to bringing this event to a safe resolution.”

Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released if it becomes available.

News

3 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

The best movies of 2026 so far, from ‘Project Hail Mary’ to ‘Rose of Nevada’

It's been a curiously seesawing first six months. The movies have been dominated as much by 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker as they have 79-year-old Steven Spielberg.

3 days ago in National

Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposal

A skyscraper-scaling daredevil told police that he and his girlfriend climbed the Empire State Building's antenna and unfurled a banner about love and peace because he wanted to "do something special" for their engagement, prosecutors said Thursday at the couple's arraignment on felony reckless endangerment, burglary and other charges.

3 days ago in National

The Onion’s new parody of Alex Jones’ Infowars starts with $100,000 to Sandy Hook families

The satirical news site The Onion isn't waiting to take possession of Infowars to launch a parody of Alex Jones ' conspiracy platform. More than a year after first trying to buy Infowars, The Onion on Thursday will debut a send-up under its own website with plans to give some of the revenue to families of the victims in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

3 days ago in National

US employers pull back on hiring in June amid elevated inflation, global turmoil

U.S. employers slowed hiring last month and added only 57,000 jobs, less than half the previous month's total and a sign companies still have a cautious economic outlook.

3 days ago in Entertainment

California to institute Bruce Lee Day, a first for a Chinese American in the state’s history

Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco, will become the first Chinese American in California history with an annual namesake day.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to host their wedding Friday at Madison Square Garden, AP source says

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will have their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the security plans.

4 days ago in National, Trending

Americans step out for their nation’s 250th in a proud moment sown with division and doubt

One of the stars of the American firmament once advised citizens of all stripes how to express their love of country. Mark Twain's long-ago words capture how Americans are stepping out this week to wish their nation a happy milestone birthday.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Los Angeles medical examiner says former child actor Daveigh Chase died of AIDS

Former child actor Daveigh Chase's death on June 16 was due to AIDS, the office of the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner reported. The cause of death for Chase, 35, was acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, according to online medical examiner records from this week that listed her last name as Schwallier.

5 days ago in Entertainment

Blake Lively wants $8 million in legal fees from Justin Baldoni after ‘It Ends With Us’ dispute

Blake Lively is seeking $8 million in legal costs from actor and director Justin Baldoni after resolving their dispute over the acrimonious production of their 2024 film "It Ends With Us."

5 days ago in Entertainment

Bello again: Pierre Coffin, voice of the Minions, finally understands his yellow henchman

Filmmaker Pierre Coffin is the creator and chief practitioner of Minionese, but it's a dialect — like most things Minions — that's taken time to hone. "I have this file on my phone of Indian dishes or weird words." Coffin says. "People come up to me and say, 'You should say that!' and I write it down."