MCSO: Chappell 'medically cleared' before death, Clarksville police offer condolences

MCSO: Chappell 'medically cleared' before death, Clarksville police offer condolences

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Clarksville Police Department have released more information about the circumstances surrounding the death of Darius Chappell, 34, found unresponsive in the Montgomery County Jail four days after an arrest involving a Clarksville Police K-9.

Cell phone video taken by a bystander shows a Clarksville police officer releasing a police dog on Chappell, as officers attempted to take him into custody on the ground, June 29, on Fort Campbell Boulevard in Clarksville. The police dog was released moments after Chappell struggled with officers who had appeared to tase him. The dog can be seen biting Chappell for nearly a minute, as a witness yelled for officers to "get the dog off him."

The officer who released the K-9 has been placed on administrative leave while the Clarksville Police Department conducts an internal use-of-force investigation.

An autopsy is now underway to determine Chappell's official cause of death. TBI is now conducting a full investigation into Chappell's death, which remains ongoing.

Chappell's family and the NAACP are now demanding answers, and have told FOX17 they are appalled at the use of excessive force and don't believe Chappell was properly treated for multiple bite wounds.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office response

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office released a statement Monday afternoon to FOX17, reporting Chappell was charged with resisting arrest, evading arrest, and assault on a first responder, after the June 29 incident. MCSO also said that Chappell was taken to Vanderbilt of Clarksville Hospital to receive treatment, and was further "medically cleared" in order to be booked into the jail.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office full statement:

On June 29, 2026, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office arrested 34-year-old Darius Chappell on a felony parole violation warrant issued by the Tennessee Parole Office. Deputies located Chappell at a Burger King on Fort Campbell Boulevard and were preparing to make contact when he exited the restaurant. Upon seeing deputies, Chappell fled on foot onto Fort Campbell Boulevard. Deputies pursued him and, with assistance from the Clarksville Police Department, took him into custody. Chappell was physically resisting deputies. Once Chappell was taken into custody, he was additionally charged with resisting arrest, evading arrest, and assault on a first responder. Following his arrest, Chappell was transported to Vanderbilt of Clarksville Hospital, where he was evaluated, treated, and medically cleared for booking into the Montgomery County Jail. Upon his arrival at the jail, he was processed and booked in. Our jail medical staff conducted their own medical assessment, and Chappell continued to receive medical care in accordance with established jail medical protocols. Throughout his incarceration, detention staff conducted routine security checks as required and reported any medical concerns or complaints Chappell had regarding his health and welfare to jail medical personnel for evaluation and treatment. The care and well-being of those in our custody are responsibilities we take seriously, and we remain committed to ensuring appropriate medical care is provided. The cause of Chappell's death has not been determined, and we will not speculate or make any further comments while the investigation is ongoing. The investigation into Chappell's death is being conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation with the full cooperation of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Clarksville Police response

Clarksville Police posted on social media Monday afternoon, extending its "sincere condolences" to Darius Chappell's family, while focusing on the next steps in the investigation.

Clarksville Police Chief Ty Burdine's full statement:

On behalf of the Clarksville Police Department, I want to extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Darius Chappell during this difficult time. The Clarksville Police Department takes this incident involving Mr. Chappell very seriously. While our officer was assisting the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office during the arrest, we recognize the significance of what had occurred and understand the concerns within our community. The Clarksville Police Department officer involved was placed on administrative leave the following morning, June 30, 2026, and the Professional Integrity Unit opened an internal investigation in accordance with departmental policy. We are committed to conducting a complete and thorough review of our officers' actions. Out of respect for the integrity of the ongoing investigations, we are limited in what we can discuss at this time. We will fully cooperate with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as it conducts its independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Chappell's death. I have spent my career serving this department and the people of Clarksville. I care deeply about this community, the trust our residents place in us, and the men and women who wear this badge with honor. We remain committed to professionalism, accountability, and ensuring that this matter is reviewed thoroughly, fairly, and with the seriousness it deserves.