In a routine traffic stop, local law enforcement made a drug arrest after a vehicle was observed driving with its headlights off. The incident occurred around 9:14 PM on November 16th, when a Summerville Police Officer noted a dark gray car passing by on Sixth Avenue, which proceeded to make a right turn onto Highland Avenue. Upon stopping the vehicle, it was discovered that the license plate did not match the car, raising immediate suspicion.

Further investigation revealed that the driver, identified as Joseph Maddox, had an active warrant out of Polk County. Chattooga E-911 confirmed that Polk County wished to place a hold on Maddox. During the encounter, officers observed a small black pouch on the driver-side floorboard. Maddox claimed the pouch contained his medication, which he identified as Methadone. Upon request, he voluntarily handed over the pouch for inspection. Inside, officers found several prescription bottles labeled Methadone, with some still containing the original medication and others empty. However, a concerning discovery was made when one bottle was found to contain four small orange pills marked “G3720.” Initial tests identified these pills as Alprazolam, a Schedule 4 controlled substance. Officers confirmed this information using the Pill Identifier website, which verified the pills’ identity.

As a result of the findings, Joseph Maddox was charged with possession of a Schedule 4 drug, failure to keep drugs in their original container, as well as two traffic violations: alteration of a license plate and failure to use headlights. Maddox was transported to the County Jail without further incident