Convicted Felon Arrested for Drugs and Guns

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that November 25th, 2017 arrest of Victor Thomas Jacob Runge, a 23-year-old Murphy, North Carolina man for charges involving illegal possession of drugs and a stolen gun. 

On or about November 25th, 2017 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was assisting the North Carolina Highway Patrol who was operating a Driver’s License Checking Station. As Runge, who came through the checking station, was questioned concerning his driver’s license, Runge was observed reaching for something in the center console. During a search of the vehicle incident to arrest, a stolen semi-automatic pistol was located which later was identified as being stolen from Athens, Tennessee. Additionally in the search, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine was seized along with U.S. Currency. Additional investigation revealed that Runge had previously been convicted of a felony and was not allowed to have a firearm in his possession.

Runge was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $30,000.00 secure bond for the following charges: Felon in Possession of Firearm. Possession of Stolen Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Rung is expected to appear in Cherokee County District Court on December 5th, 2017.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “This had the potential of a very bad ending. We do not know what this individual’s intentions were by reaching toward the console where the gun was found, but alert officers were able to diffuse the situation and get drugs and guns off the street. This is a great example of the team work we enjoy with fellow agencies in Cherokee County. We appreciate the cooperative effort of the Troopers and all the law enforcement agencies that help keep Cherokee County Safe and Secure.”

Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.