WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – A man was arrested following a police pursuit that led to a modified lockdown at some schools in Wythe County, according to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said on Wednesday, a deputy noticed a blue Chevrolet Camaro stopped on Kimberlin Road in Rural Retreat.
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The sheriff’s office said the deputy spoke to the driver, Joshua Melvin, who said he was just making sure he didn’t have a flat tire. The deputy said he also noticed a woman lying on the road near where Melvin was walking.
The woman told authorities the two were arguing about the way he was driving so she jumped from the car, deputies said.
Melvin got into the car and a pursuit began into Smyth County, according to authorities.
Authorities say Melvin was driving recklessly and once the vehicle got onto Interstate 81 northbound, Wythe County Public Schools was notified and some schools were placed on modified lockdown.
The sheriff’s office said Melvin exited into the town of Wytheville, where he was pursued until he parked his car behind Derm One on Peppers Ferry Road before he ran across the street, and ran into Walgreens Pharmacy where he was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies said Melvin was wanted on warrants from pursuits in Spotsylvania and Frederick counties, and was also wanted for capias in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.
Authorities said he also had a warrant issued for his arrested for assault and battery in Spotsylvania, and he was wanted for 12 outstanding warrants.
Melvin was charged with 12 warrants by the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and the Wytheville Police Department.
He is being held on 24 charges without bond at the New River Regional Jail.