Man Approaches Tennessee Elementary School Staff During Field Trip, Claims to Have Gun and Knife

Students quickly moved to safety as authorities respond to incident at Coffee County park

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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An elementary school field trip in Coffee County, Tennessee was abruptly ended on Wednesday after a man approached a staff member and claimed to have a firearm and knife in his possession. School officials immediately called 911 and moved the students onto buses to safety, though no weapon was actually seen on the man. No arrests have been made so far as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring student safety, especially during off-campus activities like field trips. While no one was harmed, the threat of a potential weapon has shaken the community and raised concerns about security protocols for school outings.

The details

According to Coffee County Schools, the incident took place during a Hickerson Elementary School field trip to Fred Deadman Park over the lunch hour. A man approached a staff member and indicated he had a firearm and knife, though staff did not actually see a weapon. School officials immediately called 911 and moved all students onto buses to safely leave the area. Manchester Police Department responded to the scene, but no arrests have been made so far.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 during a Hickerson Elementary School field trip.
  • School officials were alerted to the situation over the lunch hour.

The players

Coffee County Schools

The school district overseeing Hickerson Elementary School where the incident took place.

Manchester Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call from the elementary school field trip.

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What they’re saying

“Over the lunch hour, as students were finishing their meal at Fred Deadman Park, a man approached a staff member and indicated that he had a firearm and a knife in his possession.”

— Scott Hargrove, Director of Schools, Coffee County Schools (wsmv.com)

“Everyone is OK. We understand many students are understandably shaken by what happened. ... Safety continues to be our number one priority.”

— Scott Hargrove, Director of Schools, Coffee County Schools (wsmv.com)

What’s next

The Manchester Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them at 931-728-2099.

The takeaway

This unsettling incident at a routine elementary school field trip serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges schools face in keeping students safe, even during off-campus activities. It underscores the need for robust safety protocols and vigilance to quickly respond to potential threats.