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Police charge man in downtown Asheville shooting

Juan Francisco Martinez Jr. Photo: Contributed/Asheville Police Department

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police are searching for a convicted felon accused of shooting a man in downtown Asheville early Saturday morning.

Detectives charged 36-year-old Juan Francisco Martinez Jr. after investigators said he shot another man in the leg following a verbal altercation that escalated into a fight shortly after midnight.

Martinez is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, assault by pointing a gun and possession of a firearm by a felon, police said.

He is described as 5-foot-7, about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police said Martinez should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who sees Martinez is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately. Information about his whereabouts can also be shared with the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110, through the TIP2APD smartphone app, or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

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