Hamilton County detectives arrested two fugitives Friday afternoon in Chattanooga, according to a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office news release.
Detectives with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Division went to 6220 Shallowford Road about 2:45 p.m. to find and arrest fugitives Shawn Cranfield, 42, and Erika Bell, 29.
Cranfield had outstanding Hamilton County warrants on the following charges: possessing a firearm with intent to go armed, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of meth for resale, failure to appear, theft of property over $1,000 and unlawful possession of a weapon. Bell's warrants were for possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear.
Detectives quickly apprehended Bell but Cranfield climbed through a closet access panel into the apartment attic before detectives could reach him. Detectives called for Cranfield to come down and could hear him moving and causing damage within the attic. Additional units were requested from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Chattanooga Police Department.
Shawn Cranfield / Photo from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office websiteAn odor of smoke was reported outside the apartment building, prompting a response from Chattanooga Fire Department and Hamilton County EMS.
When repeated attempts to call him down failed, detectives and Chattanooga police officers went into the attic to apprehend and arrest him.
After he was arrested, Cranfield complained of breathing difficulty and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. While at the hospital, Cranfield attempted to escape and was re-captured by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office detectives.
Bell was arrested and taken to Silverdale Correctional Facility for booking.
Cranfield will face additional charges related to his resistance to arrest and suspected narcotics found in the apartment.
- Compiled by Jody Park
Erika Bell / Photo from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office website