Sheriff's Deputies Bitten By Dog, Attacked By Suspect During Traffic Stop

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Two men are facing drug and battery charges following a traffic incident that turned physical Monday evening north of Canton.

Deputies with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Hulsey, 44, of Canton and Chris Burger, 58, of Rydal following the altercation, which occurred on Lower Burris Road in the Clayton community, agency spokesperson Lt. Jay Baker said in a press release.

Hulsey was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of heroin, two counts of felony obstruction of an officer, simple battery on a law enforcement officer, battery and two counts of interference with government property.

Burger was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and tampering with evidence.

Both men remain at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center with no bond.

A deputy initiated a traffic stop with a pickup truck near the Clayton Food Store, which sits at the corner of Lower Burris and Land roads. While talking with Hulsey, the passenger in the vehicle, the deputy discovered the man was allegedly in possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

The deputy attempted to handcuff Hulsey, who Baker said 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, Baker stated.

“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.

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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.

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