Parents of McMinn County Schools,
We want to make you aware of a situation that occurred at one of our elementary schools this morning. We are and will continue to work alongside our local law enforcement agencies throughout this investigation. We want to commend our school personnel, administrators, and SRO on their quick actions to ensure the safety of all involved. For further information regarding the incident, please review the official statement from Sheriff Joe Guy below:
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Press Release
April 4, 2025
Joe Guy, Sheriff, McMinn Co
Powder Discovered at EK Baker School Tests Positive for Several Controlled Substances
A McMinn County elementary student brought a powdery substance to EK Baker School this morning, and after a quick investigation and testing by school staff and the Sheriff’s Office, discovered it contained several controlled substances.
According to Sheriff Joe Guy, School Resource Deputy Charles Shelton was made aware of some students drinking a strange liquid out of a sports drink bottle around 950am. Deputy Shelton and the Assistant Principal responded to the 8th grade classroom and took control of the bottle immediately and were also able to locate Ziploc bag of white powdery material in it. It was discovered that 2 to 3 students may have drunk some of the substance in the bottle, which it was believed was mixed with the powder in the bag. Additional Sheriff’s Officers and School administrators arrived to assist with the incident.
“The student at first claimed it was a powdered laxative,” said Sheriff Guy. “Our officers tested it, and the field tests did not show any illicit substance. But out of an abundance of caution, our officers wanted to make sure so they then took it and tested it with a more detailed test with the assistance of the 5th District Drug Task Force. While this was occurring, our school officials monitored the health of the students involved and notified their parents. The more detailed test of the powder the officers undertook indicated the presence of several controlled substances, such as Cocaine, Xylazine, and Methamphetamine.”
“The Sheriff’s Office, along with School administrators, advised the parents of the students involved to seek immediate medical examinations as Xylazine is an extremely dangerous substance.” Sheriff Guy added, he is not currently aware that any of the 3 students, who may have had contact with the substance, becoming ill nor having any other health problems related to the incident.
“We will be conducting further testing of the powder at the TBI crime lab,” said Sheriff Guy. “And we are working closely with our School Administrators, Department of Children Services, and the Drug Task Force to ensure the safety of our students and to conduct a thorough criminal investigation.”
“I truly appreciate the quick action of out responding officers and our school officials in what could have been a much more serious situation,” said Sheriff Guy.
A later updated release from Sheriff Guy says "A search and investigation at the students residence indicated that the substance may in fact be a powdered laxative, but may have been placed in a bag that was previously used for the xylazine and other drugs. Subsequent testing by the TBI will help make a correct determination."