Suspect involved in violent assault at Moulton Jack’s extradited to Lawrence Co. from Mississippi

On June 23, 2024, Moulton police officers responded to the Lawrence Medical Center on a report of someone seeking medical attention after being assaulted.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with a 66-year-old male who reported that he was assaulted by an unknown assailant at Jack's restaurant in Moulton.

The victim further explained that he had given a female acquaintance a ride from Cullman to Moulton, where she was to meet a friend for a ride to a different location.

Once in Moulton, the other person arrived at the appointed location and the victim got out to assist in moving the female’s luggage. As soon as he started to do so, he was struck by the male that had arrive to pick up the lady.

The victim was beaten unconscious and left on the ground. When he awoke, he was bleeding and alone. He was treated for abrasions, cuts, and a broken bone at Lawrence Medical Center.

Moulton Police Captain Russell Graham began investigating the assault and developed a suspect, which was Joshua Lee Simmons. Captain Graham discovered evidence to obtain arrest warrants for Simmons; however, at the time, he could not be located.

Captain Graham enlisted the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's North Alabama Violent Crimes Task Force, of which he is a member, to help track down Simmons, who was later located in Mississippi. 

On May 7, 2025, Captain Graham and Officer Rick Sherman traveled to Columbia, Mississippi and extradited Simmons to Moulton, without further incident. Simmons faces multiple charges including Elder Abuse 2nd Degree and assault 3rd Degree.

He was booked into the Lawrence County Jail, where he was later released on bond.