Arrest Made in Barren Courthouse Bomb Threat

Suspect called in threat before scheduled court appearance, then fled police

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:00am

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A 47-year-old Glasgow man was arrested Monday after allegedly calling in a bomb threat to the Barren County Courthouse, resulting in a one-hour evacuation. Lee Wesley Elmore is accused of making multiple calls from a concealed number claiming there was a bomb in the building and drones were on the way. After the evacuation, Elmore contacted court personnel using the same phone number and was later found at a Glasgow residence, where he reportedly denied making the threat and tried to flee from police before being apprehended.

Why it matters

Courthouse threats disrupt critical government operations and can sow fear in the community. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in quickly identifying and apprehending suspects behind such hoaxes, which can divert significant resources and manpower.

The details

According to the Barren County Sheriff's Office, a district judge's office received the initial threat call at 10:06 a.m. Monday. The courthouse was evacuated and surrounding streets were closed as authorities searched the building but found no hazards. Investigators traced the call to Elmore, who was scheduled to appear before a judge that day for sentencing in a felony theft case. After the evacuation, Elmore contacted court personnel using the same phone number and was later located at a Glasgow residence, where he denied making the threat and tried to flee police before being arrested.

  • The threat call was received at 10:06 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The courthouse was evacuated for about one hour while authorities searched the building.
  • Elmore was arrested by Barren County deputies at a Glasgow residence on Monday afternoon.

The players

Lee Wesley Elmore

A 47-year-old Glasgow resident who was arrested and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening and third-degree fleeing or evading police in connection with the courthouse bomb threat.

Barren County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the threat, traced it to Elmore, and apprehended him after he allegedly tried to flee.

Barren Circuit Judge John Alexander

The judge Elmore was scheduled to appear before on the day of the threat for sentencing in a felony theft case.

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What they’re saying

“No hazards were located on site following a thorough search of all floors of the courthouse and the roof by BCSO deputies, bailiffs and Glasgow Police Department officers.”

— Barren County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Elmore is being held in the Barren County Corrections Center, and a judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious disruption and public safety risks posed by hoax threats targeting government buildings. Law enforcement must remain vigilant in quickly identifying and apprehending suspects to prevent further incidents that can tie up critical resources and sow fear in the community.