Phenix City Teen Arrested for Terroristic Threat Against Smith Station High School

Phenix City, Alabama – On February 20, 2026, Dontae Deshawn Ford, 18, was arrested and charged with making a first-degree terroristic threat against Smith Station High School, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest followed reports of a threatening social media post indicating intent to “shoot up” the school.

Details of the Incident

A school resource officer (SRO) at Smith Station High School was initially alerted to the threat by a staff member who reported a concerning social media post made by Ford. Shortly after, a concerned citizen also reported the threat to authorities. Investigators determined Ford to be a former student of the high school.

Investigation and Arrest

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with school officials and SROs, launched a joint investigation to identify and locate the suspect. Ford was apprehended at his residence in the 6000 block of Lee Road 240 in the Phenix City area of Lee County. During the arrest, investigators found no firearms on Ford or at his location The Plainsman, WAKA.

Charges and Legal Status

Ford has been charged with one count of making a terrorist threat in the first degree. He is currently being held at the Lee County Detention Center on a $15,000 bond, with a $2,000 cash requirement The Plainsman, WAKA. As a condition of his bond, Ford is prohibited from entering any school or educational facility property The Plainsman, WAKA.

Ongoing Investigation

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident and encourages anyone with information related to the case to contact them at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) The Plainsman, WAKA.