Updated with new information on arrest.

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – New information was released Monday about the arrest of 34-year-old Darius Chappell, who died Friday at the Montgomery County Jail.

Chappell was arrested Monday, June 29, in front of Dutch Bros on Fort Campbell Boulevard in what the Clarksville Police Department referred to as a “use-of-force incident involving one of our canine officers.” Five days after his arrest, Chappell was found dead Friday, July 3, in his cell at the Montgomery County Jail.

Arrest report on what led up to struggle

At about 11:30 a.m. June 29, Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies saw a vehicle registered to Chappell parked at the Burger King on Fort Campbell Boulevard. Chappell had an active warrant for violation of parole, the report said, according to an arrest report obtained by Clarksville Now.

When deputies tried to stop him, Chappell ran into oncoming traffic on Fort Campbell Boulevard. Deputies used a taser on Chappell multiple times, but he fought back, the report said. A CPD officer arrived to assist. When Chappell grabbed a deputy’s vest near the throat and pulled the deputy, the CPD officer deployed a K-9, which bit Chappell and ended the altercation, the report said.

Clarksville Police statement

Monday afternoon, CPD Chief Ty Burdine released the following 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 officer’s 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.”

| MORE: Tennessee NAACP calls for thorough investigation into jail death of Darius Chappell

Investigation taken up by TBI

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. Chappell’s cause of death has not been released. The NAACP said Saturday that the day before his death, they had been assured that he was “fine.”

Chappell was the father of three young children, according to a GoFundMe for funeral expenses set up by his sister, Latesha.

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