News

Reward grows in firehouse shooting

By Town of Mills River, Published: February 18, 2014

Crime doesn't pay, but stepping forward to share information about one that has been committed just might in Mills River.

The Town of Mills River Council joined two town businesses on Monday to increase the reward being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons who fired multiple rounds into one of the Mills River Fire and Rescue substations. Nancy Lynn's Diner and Pizzeria and Mills River Quick Lube both committed to contribute to the reward amount in hopes that the case will soon be solved.

The night of Sunday, Feb. 9, someone fired a total of 13 rounds into the substation causing approximately $20,000 worth of damage to the building and equipment. Some of the bullets made their way into the Mills River Fire and Rescue living quarters where firemen regularly spend time between calls. Fortunately, the fire station was unmanned at the time of the shooting.

"Mills River Fire and Rescue is at the heart of our Mills River community," Mills River Mayor Larry Freeman said. "They provide a service to the Town and those in that fire district that is necessary to our public safety and quality of life. We take the safety of the volunteers and staff there very seriously and firmly believe that the person responsible for firing into the substation should be charged and justice served."

The contributions from the town, Nancy Lynn's Diner and Pizzeria and Mills River Quick Lube increased the reward by $500, to $1,500.

"Having two locally owned businesses participate in the reward is a great example of how cohesive the Mills River community is and how they rally to protect their own," Mills River Town Manager Jaime Laughter said. "The Town encourages anyone who may have information regarding this crime to contact Henderson County Sheriff's Department as the investigation continues."

Any business or citizen interested in contributing towards the reward may contact Fire Chief Rick Livingston at (828) 891-7959. For more information, please contact Jaime Laughter at (828) 890-2901 or jaime.laughter@millsriver.org.