CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Tennessee State Conference NAACP and the Clarksville Branch NAACP on Saturday called for accountability and an immediate independent investigation into the death of 34-year-old Darius Chappell at the Montgomery County Jail.
Chappell was confirmed dead Friday, July 3, at 3 a.m., following a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrest on Monday that sparked a Clarksville Police use-of-force investigation, including the use of a K9 police dog.
On Saturday, State NAACP President Gloria J. Sweet-Love, speaking at House of God Church of God in Christ, described Chappell’s death as a profound failure of justice. “It is appalling to learn that justice has again been withheld from a Black man,” Sweet-Love said.
Sweet-Love said that a day before Chappell’s death, they requested a wellness check for him, and the sheriff had assured them that he was “fine.”
Calls for TBI and FBI intervention
Chappell was arrested Monday, June 29, in front of Dutch Bros on Fort Campbell Boulevard in what CPD referred to as a “use-of-force incident involving one of our canine officers.”
Video of the arrest – taken by a bystander and shared on social media – shows Chappell struggling with two MCSO deputies when a third deputy and then a CPD officer join in the struggle. With the man on his back, the CPD officer goes to his vehicle and releases a K9 police dog. While Chappell is on the ground, the dog attacks Chappell as the officers handcuff him. The officer then removes the dog, which continues snapping as it is returned to the vehicle.
No agencies have explained why Chappell was being arrested or what led up the the struggle shown on video.
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At the request of 19th Judicial District Attorney General Robert Nash, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating Chappell’s death. The NAACP is requesting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation join in.
“The reckless misuse of force by the police officers at the traffic stop and the careless lack of concern and care of an injured person by officers and staff at the detention facility is unbelievable, and it should be unheard of,” Sweet-Love said.
Community leaders urge unity and action
During the press conference, elected officials and those running for office were asked to identify themselves. Three candidates were present: Dexter Mines, who is running for Montgomery County sheriff; Charles Uffelman, who is running for City Council Ward 6, and Luther Hutchenson, running for County Commission District 11.
Sweet-Love urged the community to take action and stand together and with the family to make sure justice prevails. “We are asking that you protest by contacting every elected official in this jurisdiction, and all candidates that are running for office. Protest by registering to vote; you have until July 7 to register to be able to vote in this (Aug. 6) election.”
Questions about cause of death
Concerns were raised about the extreme heat on the day of the incident, asking leaders if the sheriff had mentioned heat being a factor in Chappell’s passing. Chappell’s cause of death has not been released.
“It was 95 degrees, with a heat index of 110,” Uffelman said. “The pavement itself was probably 130 degrees, and he was on that pavement for a while.”
Sweet-Love said the sheriff did not indicate that Chappell had any form of heat-related sickness.
She said they will remain closely involved and that the family will receive ongoing support, pushing for transparency and accountability.
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