A routine traffic stop for a lane-departure infraction on Maham Road led to the arrest of an Alabama man who was wanted as a fugitive on serious drug charges in his home state.

Joshua Allen Meadows, 45, of Alabama, was taken into custody by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) on September 26, 2025, after dispatch confirmed he had two active warrants for Dangerous Drugs out of Dekalb and Cherokee counties, Alabama. Meadows is currently being held on a formal charge of “Fugitive/Uniform Criminal Extradition Act.”

According to the incident report (Case No. 2025-09-35803), Deputy J. Claxton initiated the traffic stop after observing a silver Ford F150, bearing an Alabama tag, repeatedly fail to maintain its lane of travel while patrolling the Maham Road area. The vehicle was observed crossing both the center yellow divider line and the white fog line on multiple occasions.

The stop occurred near Mahan Road at Wyatt Way.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Claxton identified the driver as Joshua Meadows. Meadows reportedly handed over his Alabama Driver’s License and immediately volunteered information regarding his legal status.

“Mr. Meadows made a statement that there is a problem with his license,” the report states. “He stated that he had a failure to appear warrant and that his lawyer is working on it as we speak.”

Deputy Claxton advised Meadows that he would check the status of the warrants, appreciating the driver’s upfront honesty.

A query to dispatch confirmed the existence of the two valid warrants from Alabama counties, both related to “Dangerous Drugs.” After confirming the warrants, Deputy Claxton formally detained Meadows. Dispatch later confirmed that both agencies in Alabama wished to place a hold on Meadows for extradition. A complication arose when officers realized a 12-year-old juvenile, identified as Meadows’ relative, was present in the truck at the time of the arrest.

Corporal Fielding arrived on the scene to assist. To ensure the safety and well-being of the minor, Summerville Police Officer Josh Mitchell provided a courtesy ride, transporting the child to the lobby of the Chattooga County Detention Center to await pickup by Meadows’ mother, who was reportedly en-route.

Meadows was subsequently transported to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Detention Center and turned over to jail staff. The Ford F150 was impounded by Luallen’s Wrecker service for safekeeping.

Meadows faces extradition proceedings to return him to Alabama to answer the outstanding drug charges. He was also issued initial citations for the traffic offenses that led to the stop.