Knox County, TN (WOKI) – The Knox County Sheriff’s Office wants to reassure the public that the safety of our students and faculty remains a top priority.
The school system’s established policies and procedures serve as the first line of defense in ensuring a safe learning environment for both students and staff. We are confident that the superintendent is always reviewing safety measures and strengthening as needed.
On March 16, 2026, between approximately 12:00 p.m. and 1:40 p.m., an individual identified as Zain Madadali entered, or attempted to enter, Hardin Valley Schools.
The incident was reported to law enforcement the following day by school officials. On March 17, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives and Homeland Security were advised of suspicious activity at all three Hardin Valley Schools.
As soon as law enforcement was made aware, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, along with Homeland Security, immediately initiated an investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
On March 18, 2026, MCU detectives and Homeland Security personnel responded to the Hardin Valley Schools and conducted interviews with multiple staff members. Numerous statements were collected as part of the investigation.
Through the course of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office investigation, and in consultation with the Knox County District Attorney’s Office, six warrants were placed on file on March 19, 2026, for Zain Madadali. These included three counts of Aggravated Criminal Trespass and three counts of Being a Person Improperly on School Premises, all of which are misdemeanors. An extradition order was also obtained through the District Attorney’s Office for surrounding states.
On March 24, 2026, Madadali was located and arrested in Auburn, Alabama, and transported to the Lee County Jail.
On March 30, 2026, Madadali was extradited to Knox County by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.
Our Major Crimes Detectives, in coordination with patrol officers assigned to the School Division and Homeland Security handled this incident and the subsequent investigation thoroughly and appropriately.
We will continue to work closely with school officials and our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of our community.
Statement from Sheriff Tom Spangler:
“School safety is paramount. Our Major Crimes Detectives, along with our patrol officers assigned to the school division handled this incident and the subsequent investigation thoroughly and appropriately. We remain committed to working with our partners to ensure a safe environment for all students and staff.”
