SWAT spent 10 hours outside Chattanooga house for suspect who wasn't there

photo Alexander Petrochko
Map

SWAT Standoff

SWAT Standoff

Chattanooga Police SWAT team members spent 10 hours outside a home in North Chattanooga today, waiting on a suspect who wasn't there.

Police have issued a warrant for simple assault for 37-year-old Alexander Petrochko.

Police responded to the call at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday for a domestic assault call.

When officers arrived on scene, Petrochko reportedly was armed with a rifle and fled inside to his residence at 315 Tremont St.

The SWAT team was dispatched to the scene at 12:58 a.m. and did not clear until about 11 a.m. today.

Police spokesman Tim McFarland said a woman who was inside the residence was out and safe. She told police Petrochko grabbed her by the shoulders and shoved her.

When the initial call went out, dispatchers told responding officers Petrochko fired a shot in the air with a handgun.

Homes around the area were evacuated as a precaution.

Property records show the home is owned Alexander Petrochko. The home was built in 1920 and is 930 square feet.

Petrochko has no prior record of violent offenses, Hamilton County court records show.

Stay with the Times Free Press for more information.

Upcoming Events