Hamilton County deputies capture vandalism suspect

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tennessee(WDEF) –  A Franklin Tennessee man stands accused of breaking into and vandalizing Westview Elementary School in Hamilton County.

Around 5 o’clock Tuesday morning, a silent burglar alarm was triggered by an intruder roaming the school hallways. Within 10 minutes, deputies entered the building and confronted Aaron Roden, 22, of Franklin.

"The suspect was extremely violent toward law enforcement and it took some work to get him in custody," said Hamilton County Sheriff Spokesperson Janice Atkinson.

School leaders say Roden vandalized the building and caused $60,000 worth of damage.

"Much of the damage, I’ve had a chance to go in the building is in our kindergarten first grade hallway," said School Superintendent Rick Smith.

Ceiling fixtures and lights were destroyed, classroom windows shattered and mirrors smashed.

Hours before children were supposed to arrive, school leaders decided to cancel all classes so that authorities could secure the building while crews work to repair the damages.

"We activated our communications systems to our parents very early. I was notified about 5:25 this morning and we coordinated some things to make sure parents knew what was going on," Smith said.

Roden has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, burglary and vandalism. Just last Monday, Roden was arrested by Chattanooga police and charged with aggravated assault. He was apparently out on bond during the reported rampage inside the school.