Wanted man located hiding in attic, arrested on outstanding warrants

PRESS RELEASE – On October 2, 2026, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division responded to a residence in the Town of Murphy to serve outstanding arrest warrants on William Duren. Duren was wanted on multiple misdemeanor and felony warrants from Cherokee and Macon counties.

While at the residence, deputies heard someone running inside. Several individuals exited the home, but Duren was not among them. After speaking with those individuals, deputies obtained information indicating Duren remained inside. Deputies subsequently obtained a search warrant authorizing a search of the residence for Duren.

During the search, deputies located Duren lying in the attic, covered in insulation. Deputies ordered him to come down, and he was taken into custody without incident.

Duren was served with outstanding warrants for the following:
• Four counts of failure to appear on misdemeanor charges.
• Four counts of failure to appear on felony charges.
• Duren was also charged with resisting a public officer

Sheriff Chris Wood issued the following statement: “Our deputies remained persistent and thorough, bringing this incident to a safe conclusion. We will continue working to locate wanted individuals and bring them before the court to answer their outstanding charges.”

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.