HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said a reported “swatting” call prompted a lockdown at Calhoun High School on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, after an unknown individual contacted the school around 12:11 p.m. and claimed he was en route armed with an AR-15 and explosive devices.
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The Calhoun Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the school in response to the report. School officials “immediately implemented lockdown procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff,” according to the information provided.
“Swatting” refers to making a false emergency report, often involving claims of an active shooter, bomb threat, or other violent incident, with the intent of generating a significant law enforcement response.
Within minutes, law enforcement officials from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Pike County Sheriff’s Department arrived, secured the perimeter, and began investigating the threat.
Following the investigation, officials determined the threat was not credible and said no weapons or explosive devices were found. The lockdown was lifted, and students and staff were determined to be safe.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Calhoun County School District said they take threats against schools and public safety seriously, noting that such incidents “cause significant disruption, place unnecessary strain on emergency resources, and create fear within the community.” The investigation into the origin of the false threat remains ongoing.
The sheriff’s office said it will provide additional presence on campus and thanked the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, CUSD 40 administrators, faculty, and emergency personnel for their response and cooperation.
Anyone with information was encouraged to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (618) 576-2417.
