APD Investigating ????? ????? ??????? ???????? ?? ????? ?????????

Asheville -- December 15, 2022: Officers from the Asheville Police Department's Patrol Division are still looking into a tragic car crash that happened in South Asheville

early on Sunday morning.

Approximately 9:53 on December 11, 2018, APD Patrol Officers responded to a crash involving many vehicles and injuries in the 3900 block of Sweeten Creek Road. A 2020 Dodge Ram truck heading south on Sweeten Creek Road veered left of center and collided head-on with a 2011 Mercury passenger van, according to preliminary inquiry.
Both Mercury passengers were sent to Mission Hospital for treatment. Both the driver and passenger were severely hurt; the latter's injuries were fatal. Herbet Garman (04/22/1923) of Hendersonville, who was a passenger in the car, died from his wounds later that afternoon. His family has been informed.
Stephen David Cordell (10/25/1976), the driver of a Dodge Ram vehicle, was arrested for DUI after he was taken to Mission Hospital with life-threatening injuries. There was evidence in the car suggesting drug use.
After the police investigation is finished, they will discuss potential charges with the Buncombe County District Attorney's office.
The crash inquiry is still underway. Please contact APD at 828-252-1110 if you have any information regarding this event, or text TIP2APD to 847411 to provide information anonymously.

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCTIMES Marjorie Farrington