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Coffee County Schools reported an incident that occurred Feb. 18 during a Hickerson Elementary field trip.

Director of Schools Scott Hargrove said that students were at Fred Deadman Park when a man approached a staff member and indicated that he allegedly had a firearm and a knife in his possession.

Staff members did not see either weapon.

According to Hargrove, the staff member immediately called 911, and Manchester City Police responded while staff and bus drivers acted quickly to move students safely onto the bus and away from the individual.

 Manchester Police Department said that during follow-up interviews conducted with school staff, officers began piecing together the events.

According to an MPD statement, “It was determined that an elementary class was on a field trip, eating lunch and playing on the playground, when they encountered the male subject described as appearing ‘happy.’ ”

The subject was sitting on a swing when a child approached and asked to use the swing. The man stepped away from the swing and began talking with the teacher.

“During their conversation, which was cordial and polite, he stated that he was homeless and lived under a bridge. The conversation continued about his living situation, and at some point in the conversation, he stated that he had a machete and a gun,” continued the MPD statement.

According to police the man never stated it was on his person, displayed either weapon, made any threats, used any threatening tone or made any threatening actions towards the staff or students.

“After the brief interaction, the male subject walked away without incident,” MPD said.

 The teacher communicated this interaction with the lead teacher, where a decision was made to immediately gather the students onto the bus. MPD was notified once all children were on the bus and responded. Officers were on-scene within 3 minutes of receiving the call.

“Patrol officers, supervisors, CID and command staff responded to the area and conducted a thorough search, but were unable to locate the subject. 

Officers later located the male subject in town, not in the city park. The subject was described as “polite and cooperative.”

“He voluntarily consented to a search of his person and belongings. His campsite and belongings were not located in the city park. He showed officers that he had a machete; however, he was not in possession of a firearm. After the interaction, the male subject was allowed to continue on his way to his destination out of state,” the statement said. 

Hargrove said no one was injured during the incident.

“We understand many students are understandably shaken by what happened. Counselors are available to assist today and in the days ahead, and we encourage families to reach out if your child needs additional support,” Hargrove said.

“We are grateful for the swift response of our staff and Manchester City Police. No arrests have been made,” he said.