FRANKLIN
Phillip “Philly” Jerome Murphy was apprehended on Thursday about 7:30 p.m. without incident at a relative’s house in Southampton County, according to FBI spokeswoman Christina F. Pullen.

Murphy, 41, of 417 Morton St., Franklin, was sought on Thursday morning by Franklin Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They had gone to carry out an arrest warrant on charges related to a gang, drug and weapons trafficking investigation.

But the suspect had fled the scene into a field behind his home when the authorities arrived.

In answer to similar questions from media, Pullen replied in an email that she couldn’t release specific details about what was recovered from the search location or during Murphy’s arrest. Nor could she give the name of the relative or exact location of the capture.

“What I can tell you is that Murphy’s initial hearing is scheduled for this afternoon in Norfolk Federal Court. Also, I spoke to the case agent this morning. One thing he wanted me to share is that it was specifically the Franklin PD’s significant expertise of their community and the area that led directly to locating the subject. It was a team effort, and this situation highlights how effective these collaborations of federal, state and local law enforcement partners can be in getting the job done and making our communities safer.”

She added that Murphy was arrested on federal charges, and wouldn’t be able comment or provide information about the hearing or the criminal prosecution.

“Now that he is in custody, the case is in the hands of the U.S. Attorney’s office,” Pullen added.