Murphy – Local law enforcement officers had their hands full during a traffic stop around McDonald’s on Sunday evening.
A Murphy police officer conducted a traffic stop on a white Lincoln Navigator registered out of Fannin County, Ga., in the McDonald’s parking lot off U.S. 64 West about 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
The officer requested assistance from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit. The dog handler advised the occupants that a free-air sniff would be conducted, and the dog, Ragnar, alerted on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The driver – identified as Anthony Reagan, a 30-year-old homeless man in the Murphy area – was asked to exit the vehicle.
During a pat-down, officers located a clear plastic bag containing a substance consistent with methamphetamine. Police said Reagan became uncooperative and ran away toward U.S. 64.
Murphy police and county sheriff’s deputies pursued and captured Reagan after a brief chase, during which Reagan allegedly struck a Murphy police officer in the face. The officer suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
Authorities searched the vehicle, limiting access to the McDonald’s parking lot. Police said a field test confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
Reagan was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where he was charged with:
- possession of methamphetamine;
- resisting a public officer;
- assault on a government official/employee;
- no operator’s license.
Reagan was being held in lieu of a $40,000 secured bond.
Murphy Police Chief Tim Lominac commended town police officers for their professionalism. He also expressed appreciation to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for its swift assistance.
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“This case reflects the strong commitment of our agencies to work together in keeping Murphy safe,” Lominac said. “Their teamwork continues to play a vital role in protecting our community.”
Reagan has a history of run-ins with the law. In 2024, he was arrested on charges of possession of a stolen firearm and resisting a public officer. In 2023, he was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed gun and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In 2020, he was charged with breaking and entering in Murphy.
Other previous charges include possession of marijuana and methamphetamine in Clay County. Reagan also has a history of skipping bail and probation violations.
He has several convictions on firearms charges, and possession of Schedule II drug, for which he served a total of three months in prison. Reagan was released in June, according to state records. Previous residences include Warne, Murphy and Hayesville.