One in custody after bomb threat against Columbus youth detention center, sheriff says

One person is in custody following a bomb threat against a Columbus youth detention center Thursday.

The sheriff’s office was called to Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center, 7700 Chattsworth Road in Midland, around 11 a.m., according to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.

When reached by the Ledger-Enquirer around 12:15 p.m., Countryman said bomb technicians had declared the center safe.

Detention center staff were no longer sheltering in place, and Columbus Fire & EMS were released from the scene, according to Countryman.

Countryman said one person was in custody. The suspect is charged with criminal trespass and stalking, according to Countryman.

This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 1:13 PM.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.