CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — A man wanted in connection with a child rape case dating back over a decade has been captured and is now in custody at the Calhoun County Jail, thanks to the quick thinking of store employees in Heflin and coordinated efforts by law enforcement in with the Cleburne County Sheriffs Department , U.S. Marshal’s Service, the 7th Judicial Circuit Drug and Violent Crime task force, Anniston Police Department, Oxford Police Department, and State Fire Marshals office.
Andrew Traywick, the suspect, had reportedly been eluding authorities for several days throughout east Alabama. His attempt to stay hidden ended when he walked into a Dollar General store in Heflin—only to be recognized by alert employees who had seen his photo circulated in public safety alerts.
Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles credited the arrest to the community’s vigilance. “This shows the power of our community working together,” said Bowles. “The employees recognized him from a post and took the necessary steps to ensure he couldn’t escape.”
Prior to his arrest, Traywick had been tracked to the Talladega National Forest in Cleburne County. Authorities believed he was armed with a shotgun and dangerous. His flight from police culminated in Heflin, where he was spotted by surveillance near WM Grocery and later near a telephone pole on Highway 9.
Heflin Police Chief Ross Mcglaughn explained that Traywick had hidden in the woods before making his way to the Dollar General store. “We had a perimeter in place, but he slipped through. Thankfully, the store clerks recognized him, left the building, locked him inside, and contacted law enforcement,” said Mcglaughn.
Chief Bowles emphasized that Alabama law does not impose a statute of limitations on sexual offenses involving minors. “This case shows why that matters,” he said. “The victim showed incredible bravery in coming forward, and now it’s our job to deliver justice.”
The actions of the Dollar General employees are being praised as heroic and instrumental in bringing a fugitive to justice. The Calhoun and Cleburne County communities continue to show support for the survivor as the legal process unfolds.
