One wounded in Friday night shooting in Asheboro; 22-year-old arrested

ASHEBORO — A shooting on Friday night ended with a 21-year-old male hospitalized and a 22-year-old male in custody.

The Asheboro Police Department reported today that on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at approximately 10:54 p.m., officers responded to a report of gunshots in the area of Watkins Street. At that time, a victim with a gunshot wound to his upper arm and neck area arrived at a business at the intersection of Elm and Salisbury Streets.

Officers quickly responded to the area and administered life-saving medical treatment until EMS arrived, the report said. The victim, 21 year-old Jaylen Curtis, was transported to an out-of-county medical facility in critical condition.

Detectives with APD's Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation.

A crime scene was located on Watkins Street, where multiple rifle caliber shell casings were recovered. The evidence was consistent with the multiple bullet holes found in the victim’s vehicle.

A suspect was identified and quickly located in the area and taken into custody. Detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence and located a weapon consistent with the evidence located at the scene.

The suspect, Dwayne Emilio Rivera, age 22, was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury, Discharging a Weapon into an Occupied Vehicle, and Discharging a Firearm in the City Limits.

As of Aug. 16, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., Curtis’ condition was upgraded to stable, and he is expected to survive.