MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF WEAPONS AND DRUGS IN A PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOL ZONE
On March 5, 2026, at approximately 9:39 a.m., a teacher at Highland Rim Academy in Putnam County, Tennessee, alerted School Resource Officer Deputy Gentry about a suspicious man in the school parking lot. The school promptly initiated a soft lockdown as a precaution. Deputy Gentry approached the individual, identified as Alex Dailey Thomas, informed him he was on private property, and asked if he was carrying any weapons. Thomas admitted to having “some blades,” and the deputy discovered two knives and a pill container with a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine on his person.
Assisted by Deputy Cobble, authorities searched Thomas’s bags and found a handgun (later identified as a BB gun), suspected marijuana, and other 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, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His total bond was set at $56,500, with a court date scheduled for April 6, 2026. The soft lockdown was lifted by 10:10 a.m.
Sheriff Farris praised Deputy Gentry’s quick and effective response, emphasizing the importance of having trained school resource officers at Putnam County schools to protect students and staff. Jonathan Davis, Head of School at Highland Rim Academy, expressed gratitude for the swift protective measures taken by the deputy and the Sheriff’s Office.
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
