Putnam County, Tenn. — A man was arrested after allegedly bringing weapons and suspected drugs onto school property Thursday morning, prompting a temporary lockdown.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 9:39 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at Highland Rim Academy when a teacher reported a suspicious man in the parking lot.
School Resource Officer Deputy Gentry responded and contacted the individual, later identified as Alex Dailey Thomas. Deputies said Thomas was carrying several bags and was informed he was on private property.
When asked if he had any weapons, Thomas allegedly told the deputy he had “some blades on him,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies reported finding two knives and a pill container containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine during the encounter.
Additional deputies responded to assist. Authorities said Deputy Cobble later helped complete the arrest.
During a search of Thomas’ bags, deputies said they also located a handgun later determined to be a BB gun, suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Thomas was arrested and charged with:
- Three counts of carrying weapons on school property
- Possession of methamphetamine in a drug-free school zone
- Two counts of simple possession in a drug-free school zone
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Authorities said bond was set at $56,500, and Thomas is scheduled to appear in court Monday, April 6, 2026.
The school initiated a soft lockdown during the incident, which was lifted at 10:10 a.m. after deputies secured the scene.
Sheriff Eddie Farris said the response demonstrates the importance of trained school resource officers assigned to campuses across the county.
Incidents like this can disrupt morning routines for students, teachers, and commuters arriving at school campuses.
School officials also thanked deputies for what they described as a quick and decisive response to protect students and staff.
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