According to Sheriff Bobby Grubbs, through cooperative efforts between the Brown, Coleman and Runnels County Sheriff’s Offices investigation and surveillance operations, fugitive Charles Hull was captured in Runnels County on Monday.
Criminal investigators with the Brown County Sheriff’ Office have been conducting a fugitive investigation on Charles Hull, whose lengthy criminal history includes various offenses of theft, weapons, and other drug related offenses. According to officials, Hull was wanted by Brown County on drug charges when he fled on foot after being stopped and investigated for drug possession by a Brown County Sheriff’s deputy on March 3, 2011.
Coleman, Runnels, and Brown County deputies established surveillance in areas where it was believed Hull was hiding and focused on criminal associates who were suspected of harboring Hull. The Runnels County Sheriff’s Office and the Coleman County Sheriff’s Office were also investigating Hull and his criminal associates for a number of thefts and stolen vehicles.
In light of Hull’s criminal past, officials said that they expected Hull would run when approached and involved Texas Department of Criminal Justice tracking dogs and a DPS Helicopter to support the investigation for this purpose. During the surveillance in Runnels County on Monday, Hull was observed in a vehicle on State Hwy 153 about 5 miles East of Winters at about 1:30 pm. The vehicle was stopped by DPS Troopers and Sheriff’s Deputies and Hull was arrested without incident.
The ongoing investigation continues in cooperation with the 3 counties and with the assistance of Texas Rangers. As the investigation continues, it appears a number of felony offenses may be cleared and additional suspects will be charged. Hull was transported from the arrest scene to Ballinger, Texas where he was transported to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office later that day. Hull’s bonds were set at $140,000.00 for several offenses which included one charge of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), three charges of criminal mischief, and one charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Grubbs said he was especially appreciative of the investigative and surveillance assistance provided by the Runnels and Coleman County Sheriff’s Offices as well as the resources provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
