Police SWAT team members talk after taking a fugitive into custody Wednesday at the Pinewood apartments in Brainerd. The SWAT team was called in after Rodney Bates climbed into the attic when officers arrived. He was apprehended on the roof of the building.

Chattanooga SWAT team arrests fugitive in attic

Chattanooga Police Department SWAT team members executed a warrant to arrest a fugitive who holed up in an attic Wednesday inside an apartment in the 3300 block of Pinewood Avenue.

Police had received information that Rodney Bates, who was wanted for violating his probation, and Gary Brown Jr., who was wanted for domestic assault, were inside the residence.

The call out began just after 11 a.m. and lasted nearly five hours with officers closing off a section of the street.

"They do have Mr. Bates in custody. He fled into the attic," said Officer Timothy McFarland. "That's why the SWAT team was called out. Hamilton County K-9 assisted, too."

Bates was removed from the roof. Brown was not at the residence and is still at-large, McFarland said.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can contact Chattanooga police at 423-698-2525.

Man faces rape charges

Hao Chen, 23, was arrested and preliminarily charged with rape Aug. 30 after a woman says he groped her while she was in bed.

Chen and the victim were drinking with a group of people at the victim's apartment within the Chattanooga city limits when she said she drank too much and needed to lie down. She lay in bed, but on top of the covers. The victim said Chen turned out the lights and proceeded to fondle her, according to a police affidavit.

The victim said she told Chen to stop, but he continued to hold her from behind while they slept through the night.

Chattanooga police investigators reported Chen sent the victim a message on Aug. 30 saying he was extremely intoxicated during the incident and said that he "couldn't help it."

Chen's bail was set at $15,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court today.

Man admits molesting niece

Chattanooga police arrested a 34-year-old man after he admitted molesting his niece on three occasions.

The victim, 12, was touched by her uncle after falling asleep in the living room of the East 52nd Street house three times since January, according to a police affidavit. She said the incidents only happened during the night when her siblings were asleep and her mother was at work.

The defendant admitted to the charges, as well as alcohol abuse during the incidents. He was arrested for rape of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

His court date is set for today.