ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – An alleged rapist is in custody after a physical struggle that left a police officer with a gunshot wound. According to the Asheville Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:14 a.m. Thursday to a reported rape at a home on Atkinson Street.
Once on scene, officers were questioning a possible suspect when the man reached into his pants pocket where he had a handgun concealed. One of the officers sprang into action to gain control of the firearm, which discharged and resulted in a bullet striking him. He was not seriously injured and was treated at Mission Hospital and released.
The suspect was transported to the hospital for minor injuries thought to be sustained in the struggle. While there, he attempted to flee, but officers took him into custody. He was later identified as Jamal Marqui McDaniel, 43, of New York.
McDaniel is currently charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, assault on a female, and two counts of resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. The investigation is continuing, and McDaniel may face additional charges.
According to an APD spokesperson the department’s Forensics team is processing the scene, the Special Victims team is investigating the sexual assault, and the Major Case team is working on charges related to the firearm possession. McDaniel is being held at the Buncombe County Jail on a $20,000 secure bond and a domestic violence hold.
