A Buhl man listed as a city council member is facing serious criminal charges following a late-night altercation outside a South Broadway Avenue bar that left another man bloodied on the ground.
Cortlin Runyan, 41, has been charged with aggravated battery, possession of a controlled substance, and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility stemming from the Aug. 6 incident behind TJ’s Lounge at 112 Broadway Ave. S. in Buhl.
What Happened Outside TJ’s Lounge
Officers were dispatched shortly after 11 p.m. following a report of a fight in the alley behind the establishment. The caller described a man stomping on another man’s head. When law enforcement arrived, they found the victim lying on the ground, covered in blood and appearing intoxicated.
Runyan reportedly told officers he had “curb stomped” the victim, claiming the other man had swung at him first and that the action was taken in self-defense. Investigators arrested Runyan and transported him to the Twin Falls County Jail.
During booking at the jail, a pill was found on Runyan. That pill was later confirmed to be a Schedule II controlled substance, adding both the drug possession charge and the charge of introducing contraband into a correctional facility to his legal troubles.
Runyan’s Role in Buhl City Government
At the time of his arrest, Runyan was listed as a council member on the city of Buhl’s official website, a detail that has drawn community attention to the case. Buhl Mayor Doug Howarth addressed public interest in the matter with measured restraint, telling KMVT, “Although I know citizens are curious to what is going on with this issue, I can not comment at this time.”
The city has not issued any formal statement regarding Runyan’s status on the council or whether any action has been taken in response to the charges.
Aggravated battery in Idaho is a felony offense. Combined with the drug-related charges, Runyan faces potentially significant legal consequences if convicted. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 21, at which point a judge will determine whether enough evidence exists to proceed to trial.
The case has drawn attention across Magic Valley, where violent incidents in public spaces have been a recurring concern. Earlier this year, a Twin Falls Dick’s Sporting Goods employee came face to face with an armed gunman connected to a nearby In-N-Out incident, underscoring the region’s ongoing public safety challenges.
What Comes Next
Runyan’s preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 21 in Twin Falls County. At that proceeding, a judge will review the evidence and determine whether the charges should move forward. The city of Buhl has yet to publicly address whether Runyan will remain in his council seat during the legal proceedings. Residents seeking updates on local public safety developments in Twin Falls County can follow continued coverage at Idaho News.