Hancock County Schools Placed on Lockdown Following Inmate Escape from Local Jail

Hancock County schools are on lockdown as police search for escaped inmate Joshua Wayne Metcalf. Authorities warn the public to call (423) 733-2249 with tips.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WSMV4 and WVLT

Jail Escape and Public Safety Alert

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office issued an urgent public assistance request on Thursday afternoon following the escape of an inmate from its detention facility. Joshua Wayne Metcalf, 48, managed to flee the Hancock County Jail under circumstances that remain under investigation. Law enforcement officials have classified the search as a priority, warning residents to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the individual immediately. Metcalf is described as a "career criminal" by local sources, though his specific original charges have not been detailed in the initial escape report.

School System Placed on Lockdown

In response to the potential threat posed by the fugitive, the Hancock County School System enacted emergency protocols, placing all schools within the district on a total lockdown. Parents were notified of the situation as school officials worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure student safety. The lockdown remains in effect as of Thursday afternoon, with law enforcement personnel stationed at various campuses to provide a security perimeter while the active search continues in the surrounding wooded and residential areas.

Multi-Agency Search Effort

The search for Metcalf has expanded beyond county lines, with surrounding law enforcement agencies providing additional manpower and resources. Specialized units, including K9 teams and aerial surveillance, are reportedly involved in the sweep of Hancock County. Deputies are focusing on transit corridors and known associates of Metcalf, while also conducting door-to-door checks in neighborhoods adjacent to the jail. Residents in the Tennessee Valley region are being advised to keep their vehicles and homes locked as the manhunt intensifies.