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MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF WEAPONS AND DRUGS IN A SCHOOL ZONE
PUTNAM COUNTY, TN—At approximately 9:39 AM today, March 5, PCSO School Resource Deputy
Gentry, who is assigned to Highland Rim Academy, was notified by one of the teachers that there was a
suspicious male in the parking lot. Highland Rim immediately followed protocol and went on a soft
lockdown.
SRO Deputy Gentry approached the individual, who was identified as Alex Dailey Thomas, and in-
formed him that he was on private property. Thomas was also carrying multiple bags.
SRO Deputy Gentry asked Thomas if he had any weapons on him and Thomas said he had “some
blades on him.” During the encounter of Thomas, SRO Deputy Gentry found two knives on Thomas’
person and a pill container containing a crystal-like substance, suspected to be Methamphetamine.
Deputy Cobble arrived on scene to assist and later make the arrest.
As Deputies were searching through Thomas’ bags, they discovered a handgun, that was later deter-
mined to be a BB gun, along with a suspected Marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.
Alex Dailey Thomas was arrested and charged with 3 counts of Carrying Weapons on School Property,
Possession of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free School Zone, 2 counts Simple Possession in a Drug
Free School Zone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Thomas has a total bond set at $56,500 and a
court date of April 6, 2026.
The soft lockdown was lifted by 10:10 AM.
Sheriff Farris said, “This situation shows why it is important to have a highly-trained and equipped SRO
Deputy at every Putnam County School. SRO Deputy Gentry was able to act quickly and effectively to
ensure the safety of students and staff at Highland Rim.”
"We are thankful for the quick and decisive protective measures taken by Deputy Gentry and the Sher-
iff's Office to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff." Jonathan Davis, HRA Head
Gentry, who is assigned to Highland Rim Academy, was notified by one of the teachers that there was a
suspicious male in the parking lot. Highland Rim immediately followed protocol and went on a soft
lockdown.
SRO Deputy Gentry approached the individual, who was identified as Alex Dailey Thomas, and in-
formed him that he was on private property. Thomas was also carrying multiple bags.
SRO Deputy Gentry asked Thomas if he had any weapons on him and Thomas said he had “some
blades on him.” During the encounter of Thomas, SRO Deputy Gentry found two knives on Thomas’
person and a pill container containing a crystal-like substance, suspected to be Methamphetamine.
Deputy Cobble arrived on scene to assist and later make the arrest.
As Deputies were searching through Thomas’ bags, they discovered a handgun, that was later deter-
mined to be a BB gun, along with a suspected Marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.
Alex Dailey Thomas was arrested and charged with 3 counts of Carrying Weapons on School Property,
Possession of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free School Zone, 2 counts Simple Possession in a Drug
Free School Zone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Thomas has a total bond set at $56,500 and a
court date of April 6, 2026.
The soft lockdown was lifted by 10:10 AM.
Sheriff Farris said, “This situation shows why it is important to have a highly-trained and equipped SRO
Deputy at every Putnam County School. SRO Deputy Gentry was able to act quickly and effectively to
ensure the safety of students and staff at Highland Rim.”
"We are thankful for the quick and decisive protective measures taken by Deputy Gentry and the Sher-
iff's Office to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff." Jonathan Davis, HRA Head
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