Grand Jury Indicts Two On Drug, Weapons Charges

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A Cherokee County grand jury this week indicted two men in connection with an April confrontation with law enforcement just north of Canton.

Rydal resident Chris Arnold Burger was indicted on one count of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana during the commission of a felony, four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and tampering with evidence.

Michael Phillip Hulsey, who resides in Canton, was indicted on one count of trafficking meth, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana during the commission of a felony, two counts of obstruction of an officer and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Both men’s arrests were the result of an April 6 traffic stop initiated by a deputy with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office near the Clayton Food Store, which sits at the corner of Lower Burris and Land roads.

While talking with Hulsey, the passenger in the pick-up truck, the deputy discovered the man was allegedly in possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

The deputy attempted to handcuff Hulsey, who allegedly tried to flee. Another deputy also tried to secure the Canton resident, but during the struggle, Hulsey allegedly hit one of the deputies in the face, sheriff’s office spokesperson Lt. Jay Baker previously told Patch.

“A dog that was also in the suspect’s truck bit one of the deputies while attempting to arrest Hulsey,” he added.

Hulsey was able to break away and run into the nearby woods. However, he was located hiding in the woods a short time later with the help of a police K-9.

Meanwhile, Burger gave deputies permission to search the truck. During the search, deputies discovered about 2 ounces of marijuana, methamphetamine pipes, a handgun and rifle.

After Burger and Hulsey were arrested, deputies reviewed the video from the patrol vehicle that recorded the traffic stop. While the officers were fighting with Hulsey, Baker said Burger was allegedly seen on camera reaching into the truck and grabbing two items.

“The video shows Burger walk(ing) out of camera view holding the items and then return immediately with nothing in his hands,” Baker said.

Deputies returned to the scene of the traffic stop and located the two items — a bag and small case — found on the opposite side of the road.

Inside the bag and small case was approximately 3 ounces of methamphetamine, 2.4 grams of heroin and empty jeweler’s bags often used to distribute narcotics, the sheriff’s office said.

One of the deputy’s hands was broken during the altercation and the other deputy received minor injuries to his face. Both were treated and released from Northside Hospital-Cherokee.

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Photo: Chris Burger, left and Michael Hulsey. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff’s Office