posted August 8, 2008
Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 3300 block of Varnell Road just after 8 a.m. Friday and found the homeowner with a gun holding a burglary suspect at bay.
Clifford Eric Marsh, 32, of Chattanooga was charged with aggravated burglary and theft under $500. He is being held in the Bradley County Jail and should have an initial court appearance on Monday.
Responding deputies arrived within four minutes of the call and found the homeowner guarding one of the suspects.
The investigation revealed the homeowner returned home to find the suspect crawling out from under the garage door. The homeowner said after he confronted the first suspect a second suspect walked into his driveway and got into a white Saturn that was occupied by a third person. Deputies searched roads in the area and did not turn up any vehicles matching the suspect vehicle.
The suspects had attempted to steal power tools from the garage and a rifle from inside the residence. The rifle was left next to the front door.
The home is located a short distance from Blackfox Elementary School and as a precaution exterior doors were locked at the school and it was placed on a limited lockdown. Inside, students continued their normal activities. The lockdown was lifted when it was determined the suspect was no longer in the area.
Sheriff Tim Gobble commended the homeowner for his response holding the suspect at gunpoint until deputies arrived to take control of the situation.
“This is an example of how an armed citizen is a deterrent to crime and that message needs to be sent to criminals,” said the sheriff.
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