Drug Taskforce Busts Five in Meth Ring

St. Charles County Drug Taskforce on Feb. 24 arrested the owner of who was the reported leader of a methamphetamine manufacturing ring. 

Police confronted Bradley Gelber, 49, of the 260 block of Northshore, at his shop on North Highway 94. They found a small container with methamphetamines in it in his right front pocket, an active meth lab in his office and more than $19,000 in cash in a backpack on the floor of the shop.

Police were acting on an anonymous tip stating that Gelber was the financier of the operation. They also found loaded firearms around his scooter shop and an advanced surveillance system that included microphones.

The Drug Taskforce investigated three different locations that were in the reported meth ring, according to the probable cause statement.

Gelber was arrested and charged with manufacturing meth with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance.

Thomas and Jeffrey Runyon

Thomas Jeffrey Runyon, 26, of the 2600 block of Ruth Ave. and Jeffrey Alan Runyon, 45, of the 300 block of Donald Drive, were both charged with attempting to manufacture a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Police began investigating the Runyons after noticing activty on the National Precursor Log Exchange, which tracks purchase of pseudoephedrine, a drug used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Sandra Runyon, Thomas Runyon's mother, had purchased three boxes of pseudoephedrine in February and a total of 32, an unusually large amount, according to a probable cause statement written by Det. C. Sullivan. Jeffrey Runyon, Thomas Runyon's father, had purchased 34 boxes over time as well.

Detectives went to the house on Donald Drive and noticed someone walking inside, but no one answered the door. When police entered the house they found Jeffrey, Sandra and Thomas in a smoke-filled area of the basement and they were taken into custody.

A search of the house found chemicals used in the manufacture of meth and pseudoephedrine. Thomas Runyon admitted to gathering chemicals and assisting with the cook in exchange for finished methamphetamines.

Chantel Harshbarger and Thomas Scurlock

Police confronted Chantel Harshbarger, 41, and Thomas Scurlock, 58, on Feb. 24 at an apartment in the 5400 block of North Highway A. Harshbarger apparently tried to back into the apartment and hit a detective in the chest in an attempt to keep him out.

After police entered the apartment, Scurlock told his dog, "Sick 'em" and hte dog began biting a detective on the leg and was eventually shot.

A methamphetamine lab was found at the residence, according to the probable cause statement.

Harshbarger and Scurlock were charged with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, assualt on a police officer and resisting arrest.