An attempted arson incident is under investigation at the Calhoun R-8 School District after a suspicious smell was reported Wednesday morning.
According to district officials, staff noticed a strange odor around 8:30 a.m. and began checking the building to determine its source. The smell was found to be strongest in the middle school girls’ bathroom, specifically inside a large stall, where it resembled the scent of something burning.
Upon further inspection, school personnel discovered two ceiling tiles that were not properly installed, along with a brown stain on one of the tiles. When the tiles were removed, staff found what appeared to be toilet paper that had recently been set on fire. Officials noted that the ceiling tiles are fire-retardant, which likely helped prevent the situation from becoming more serious.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Department was contacted, and an attempted arson report has been filed. Assistant principal Stacy L. Rusche said she has spoken with students who used the restroom around the time the smell was reported and is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
The investigation remains ongoing.
