Glasgow man arrested for courthouse bomb threat

Suspect called in threat, then called back and identified himself to authorities

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:45pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and damaged courthouse window, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A damaged courthouse window reflects the harsh aftermath of a bomb threat that disrupted the building's operations.Glasgow Today

A 47-year-old Glasgow man has been arrested for calling in a bomb threat to the Barren County Courthouse on Monday morning. The threat prompted an evacuation, but no explosives were found. Police traced the call to the suspect, Lee W. Elmore, who later contacted courthouse personnel and identified himself using the same phone number that made the initial threat. Elmore was arrested at a Glasgow residence after attempting to flee from officers on foot.

Why it matters

Bomb threats against government buildings are a serious crime that can cause widespread panic and disruption. This incident highlights the importance of a swift and thorough law enforcement response to ensure public safety, as well as the need for continued vigilance against potential threats to critical infrastructure.

The details

According to the Barren County Sheriff's Office, the bomb threat was called in around 10:00 a.m. on Monday, claiming there was an explosive device in the courthouse. The building was evacuated while police, deputies, and bailiffs searched the premises, but no threats were found. Investigators traced the call to Elmore and determined that after the evacuation, he contacted court personnel and identified himself using the same phone number that made the initial threat. Elmore was arrested at a Glasgow residence but attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.

  • The bomb threat call came in at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Elmore contacted court personnel and identified himself after the evacuation.

The players

Lee W. Elmore

A 47-year-old Glasgow resident who was arrested for calling in a bomb threat to the Barren County Courthouse and then attempting to flee from police.

Barren County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the bomb threat and apprehended the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“'Investigators also determined that after the evacuation, Elmore contacted court personnel and identified himself, using the same phone number that called the bomb threat in.'”

— Barren County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Elmore is being held in the Barren County Detention Center and is facing charges of first-degree terroristic threatening and fleeing or evading police. The judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious consequences of making false threats against government buildings, which can disrupt critical operations and put public safety at risk. It also highlights the importance of a coordinated law enforcement response and the ability to quickly trace the source of such threats.