Aaron Roden
Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Aaron Roden, 22, charging him with the burglary of WestView Elementary School at 9629 East Brainerd Road.
This occurred early Tuesday at approximately 5 a.m. when an alarm was activated at the school. Deputies saw that entry had been made into the school from a rear door and while searching the building, the suspect was apprehended.
Roden was charged with burglary, two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and vandalism over $60,000.
The school was closed on Tuesday due to the school break-in with extensive property damage inside the school.
Sheriff Jim Hammond said, "There may be some mental health issues involved."
He said windows, doors and mirrors were smashed, and a fire extinguisher was used to wreak some of the vandalism. There was extensive damage in the bathrooms.
The sheriff said efforts were being made to get the school open as soon as possible.