HARLAN, KY - Harlan County Sheriff Chris Brewer reports that: On Friday, May 9th, 2025, HCSO Deputy Josh Lewis made contact with a female subject who alleged she had been assaulted and held against her will along with her children.
Deputy Lewis attempted to make contact with the subject but he fled from the residence.
Later in the evening, HCSO received a call that the male subject was in the woods near the residence with a rifle. Out of precaution the victims were removed from the residence with the assistance of KSP, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and Harlan County Emergency Management.
A perimeter was established while a drone was launched in the area. HCSO Chief Deputy Jason Adams was able to reach the subject by phone and negotiated with him to surrender.
The subject, identified as 35-year-old James Martin Runions, came out through the woodline unarmed and surrendered himself to Chief Deputy Jason Adams and Sergeant Cody Bargo. Runions was transported to Harlan County Detention Center where he was processed and booked into the facility Friday night May 9, 2025 at 9:26:00 PM.
James Runions was charged with:
- Strangulation 1st Degree
- Unlawful Imprisonment
- Assault 4th Degree Domestic Violence
This individual was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Harlan County Detention Center.
This case remains under investigation by Deputy Josh Lewis.
