Suspected explosive device at LaGrange College determined to be theater class prop
LaGrange police have deemed a potential explosive device found in a dorm room as an actual prop for a school project.
The investigation began around 11:30 a.m., on January 7, 2026, after a resident advisor located a device that ‘he believed to potentially be a bomb inside of a dorm room’ at Hawkins Dormitory at LaGrange College. The room was currently unoccupied, while students had not returned from Christmas break.
Following the discovery, the area was secured and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Bomb Squad was immediately notified of the incident and requested to respond to assess the device, according to police.
The LaGrange Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division responded and determined that the student occupying the room where the device was located had in fact created the device as part of an assignment to create a prop for a Theater class project, police said. “The project had simply not been discarded or otherwise secured by the student, as required.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations was notified their response was no longer needed, and the device was subsequently seized to be properly disposed of.
Police say it should be noted that at no point was there ever any danger to any students or general public.
“The LaGrange Police Department is grateful to the LaGrange College staff for their full and complete cooperation in this matter, as well as their obvious concern for the ongoing safety of their students,” police said.
Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation are encouraged to contact Captain John Slonaker at (706) 883-2643..
Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Tip411 system. This can be done via the mobile application, through the online portal, or by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411. These channels are designed to ensure the public can share critical information confidentially and securely.
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