From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE — The Asheville Police Department on May 13 decided that no charges will be filed after a May 10 incident involving U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, after a speech he gave at a downtown Asheville hotel.

Officers were called to the Embassy Suites about 6:37 p.m. May 10 after an individual claimed Edwards assaulted him, police said.

Officers conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing the man who reported the incident and multiple witnesses, the APD reported.

“After reviewing the findings and consulting with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, it was mutually determined that no criminal charges against any party involved in the incident will be initiated,” police said in a statement May 13 morning.

In a separate statement on May 13, Edwards responded to Asheville police’s decision to not pursue charges, saying they “discontinued their investigation” due to “inconclusive evidence and a lack of probable cause.”

Edwards’ May 13 statement was as follows:

“I was just informed of the Asheville Police Department’s decision to discontinue their investigation into the events that transpired this weekend due to inconclusive evidence and a lack of probable cause. I thank the department for doing their due diligence. It is an honor to serve the people of Western North Carolina, and I will continue to work on their behalf to represent them in Congress.”

Meanwhile, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on May 13 that Edwards “spoke at a Rotary Club event at the Embassy Suites the evening of the incident, delivering a speech that one witness said turned political.

“The congressman released a statement on May 10, after initial reports of the incident, saying he ‘refused to engage with an intoxicated man who was cursing’ after the event. Edwards said the man became more belligerent and called police.”

In a previous statement, Edwards said, “‘His behavior was embarrassing to the people at the event and was duly noted by the police. To my knowledge, there was no further action taken by police.”

Meanwhile, News 13’s “Comment Bubble” after its story included the following opinions:

• mrniceguy — “In North Carolina, public intoxication is not a crime. However, being intoxicated and disruptive in public is a Class 3 misdemeanor.”

• Carver34 — “Who was the man? What was the incident (did Edwards ever touch him or vice versa)? What happened? The man became belligerent is pretty vague and (there) should be plenty (of) witnesses. Where & When exactly did any incident occur while on stage or during or after event? SOME JOURNALISM. WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE journalism, please. Maybe I missed the true details?

“It seems crazy they would have called the law on Edwards for assault, if it was just yelling during a speech. If that is so, the guy should be charged with false call. If more to it, let’s hear that.” 

• Objective — “It involved a locally powerful politician, so the public will never know the details. Journalists could be fired and blackballed — law enforcement the same.  Truth could have major consequences.”

• tiklmybalz — “Although I am a lifelong Republican, I cannot put up with corrupt politicians. Big tobacco has Tillis and Edwards in their pocket.”

• TrumperThumper — “Rules for thee, but not for me....”

• Normal — “Which rule again?

>drinkin’ is legal here in Beer City<”

• NoApologies — “This individual called the police and said that Edwards assaulted him, which obviously did not occur. He should be charged with filing a false police report.”