A potentially dangerous situation was averted at North LaFayette Elementary School on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when a Walker County Schools employee discovered a plastic baggie containing a suspicious substance just inside the main entryway. The baggie was immediately turned over to the School Resource Officer (SRO), who conducted field testing confirming the substance was methamphetamine. The item was then secured as evidence.

A swift investigation was launched by the SRO in collaboration with the Walker County Schools Facilities and Operations Department. Review of security camera footage revealed the incident: the offender was observed accidentally dropping the baggie from his front pocket while attempting to retrieve his cell phone. Investigators were able to identify the vehicle the individual exited, leading them to identify the offender as Connor Shelton McCulley of Chattanooga, TN, who was on school grounds to drop off his girlfriend’s child. Warrants for McCulley’s arrest were obtained through the Walker County Magistrate’s Office, including charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance on a School Campus, and Reckless Conduct. The warrants were then turned over to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (Tennessee) for service.

On Thursday morning, at approximately 9 AM McCulley was apprehended by officers of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and is currently awaiting extradition to Georgia. Further investigations will be conducted by the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force. A referral has also been made to the Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS).

Walker County Schools officials released a statement praising the quick actions of the school employee and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in resolving the situation swiftly and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.