Public Uproar Over Alleged Threats by Local Homeless Man
TL/DR –
Women in Asheville, North Carolina, have expressed concerns over a homeless man, Kevin Rainey, whom they claim has repeatedly displayed violent and threatening behavior. Rainey, who has an extensive criminal record, was most recently arrested for allegedly causing more than $3,000 in damage to a resident’s car but is expected to return to the neighborhood upon making bail. Residents have lodged complaints with the police, but some feel their concerns are not being taken seriously and are calling for more action to address the homelessness crisis and associated safety issues.
Public Safety Concerns Rise Over Violent Homeless Man in Asheville, Montford Park
Women residing near Montford Park in Asheville express their unease over the alleged recurrent violent and threatening behaviours of a homeless man. Kevin Rainey, 48, was taken into custody on May 3 for supposedly vandalizing a local’s car, causing damages estimated over $3,000. Rainey, with a substantial record of alleged crimes including car theft, burglaries, and drug offenses, is currently held on a $1,000 bond. Montford community fears his imminent return.
Residents of Montford have been narrating their encounters with Rainey over the past two years on the community’s blog page. Melissa Hahn recalls her terrifying experience, “He tried to break into my house at 6 p.m. in broad daylight. I found him trying to unhinge my front door. He began screaming, ‘I’m going to kill you. I’m going to return to your house tonight.’”
In response to the alarming situation, city leaders have established a single point of contact for complaints about homeless encampments.
Hahn expressed her dissatisfaction with the response of the Asheville police. She argues that the police didn’t take her case seriously, telling her to file a report online and not seeming engaged in the situation.
Following Hahn’s communication with the media, an Asheville Police Department lieutenant reached out to discuss the case. It was discovered that Hahn’s incident was erroneously recorded as a civil disobedience case instead of breaking and entering or communicating threats.
Rainey’s criminal record confirms 20 arrests in Buncombe County since 2007, including a warrant for alleged assault on a female from investigators in Haywood County three years ago. An anonymous local clinical psychologist living near Montford Park expresses her fears about Rainey’s erratic behaviours, stating, “He has some serious psychological troubles.”
Another woman, who requested anonymity, recalls Rainey’s rage towards a driver near Gay Street, a dead-end leading to a children’s playground and Montford Park. She urges Asheville leaders to take immediate action in addressing the complex homelessness crisis.
Rainey was charged last year with communicating threats, which was a misdemeanor. The Asheville Fire Department community response team handles homeless cases unless violence is involved, which is managed by Asheville Police Department.
The team currently lacks a licensed clinician capable of evaluating individuals displaying erratic or potentially psychotic behaviors, but for help, individuals can reach out to communityresponder@ashevillenc.gov or call 828-259-5636.
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