Hot Springs, NC – Three out-of-town suspects are facing multiple charges after an armed robbery in Hot Springs that occurred during a proposed firearm sale arranged through Facebook Marketplace. Authorities say the incident unfolded just after midnight and ended with a coordinated multi-agency arrest across state lines.
Incident Overview
The armed robbery took place shortly after midnight on January 11 near the Dollar General at 50 Lance Ave. in Hot Springs, according to a statement from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, an Asheville resident, had listed a firearm for sale online and agreed to meet a potential buyer at the store’s parking lot.
What was expected to be a routine exchange quickly escalated into a violent crime when one of the suspects allegedly produced a handgun and threatened the victim before fleeing the scene with the firearm.
Timeline of Events
Investigators say the victim traveled to the Dollar General location to complete the sale and was met by a group arriving together in a vehicle. During the interaction, a male passenger reportedly exited the vehicle, brandished a handgun, and pointed it directly at the victim.
After the threat was made, the suspects immediately sped away from the scene with the victim’s firearm. No physical injuries were reported, but authorities emphasized the seriousness of the armed confrontation.
The victim promptly reported the incident in person at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in Marshall, which allowed deputies to begin the investigation without delay.
Suspects and Charges
Three individuals have been charged in connection with the robbery:
- Hailey Jackson, 21, of Greeneville, Tennessee
- Gage Flora, 18, of Mooresburg, Tennessee
- Ishaih White, 31, of Morristown, Tennessee
According to court records, Jackson has been charged with larceny of a firearm, a felony offense under North Carolina law. She was released on a $10,000 secured bond on January 13 and is scheduled to appear in Madison County court on January 27.
Authorities said Flora and White are currently being held in Tennessee, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is awaiting their extradition to face charges in North Carolina.
Law Enforcement Response
The suspects were apprehended in Morristown, Tennessee, with assistance from the Morristown Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators credited rapid information sharing and inter-agency cooperation for the swift arrests.
Sheriff Buddy Harwood praised the response in an official statement.
“The swift resolution of this armed robbery reflects the dedication, training, and coordinated efforts of our deputies,” Harwood said.
“By acting quickly, we were able to identify and apprehend the suspects, removing dangerous individuals from the public.”
Details from the investigation were confirmed through a Madison County Sheriff’s Office news release, which outlined the charges, arrests, and ongoing extradition process.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Date of robbery: January 11
- Time: Shortly after midnight
- Location: Dollar General, 50 Lance Ave., Hot Springs
- Victim: Asheville resident
- Method: Handgun used to threaten victim
- Item stolen: Firearm listed on Facebook Marketplace
- Suspects arrested: 3, all from Tennessee
Public Safety and Online Marketplace Risks
Law enforcement officials continue to warn residents about the risks associated with meeting strangers for online transactions, particularly those involving firearms or high-value items. Authorities recommend completing exchanges at designated safe exchange zones, typically located at police departments, and avoiding late-night meetings.
Meeting in well-lit, monitored areas and bringing another person can also reduce risk, though officials stress that police-supervised locations remain the safest option.
Conclusion
The Hot Springs armed robbery underscores how quickly online transactions can turn dangerous when criminals exploit informal meeting arrangements. Thanks to rapid reporting by the victim and coordinated law enforcement efforts, all three suspects were identified and apprehended within days.
As the legal process moves forward, authorities are urging the public to take extra precautions when buying or selling items through online marketplaces.
If you have been involved in a similar situation or have safety tips to share, share your experiences in the comments below.
