4 men face graffiti-related charges in Asheville

ASHEVILLE – Four men are facing charges after police say they were caught spray-painting graffiti at a River Arts District property.

The incident was reported at 2:15 a.m. Saturday at the old Dave Steel property on Clingman Avenue at Roberts Street, Asheville police Sgt. Dave Romick said. The suspects were painting a retaining wall inside a fenced area.

"During the special operation, numerous officers observed four subjects enter the fenced area around Dave Steel property," Romick said. "The subjects began painting a large graffiti mural on the walls inside the fence. APD officers surrounded the property and apprehended the subjects after several brief foot chases."

Police seized five backpacks containing 32 paint cans, paint markers and paint caps, Romick said.

Charged were:

• Jeremy Steven Lewis, 26, of Louisville, Kentucky, charged with injury to real property, first-degree trespassing, and resist /delay/obstruct an officer.

• Edwards Dragan Harper, 33, of Asheville, charged with injury to real property, first-degree trespassing, and resist /delay/obstruct an officer, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Colby Jacob Rabon, 27, of Hendersonville, charged with injury to real property, first-degree trespassing, and resist /delay/obstruct an officer.

• Ian Buss Muldoon, 25, of Louisville, Kentucky, charged with injury to real property, first-degree trespassing, and resist /delay/obstruct an officer.

The men have a March 5 court date in Buncombe County District Court on the misdemeanor charges.

The Dave Steel site is the future home of the planned RAD Lofts project. A developer plans to build 209 apartments along with commercial and parking space.