Updated with additional information.

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Clarksville Police K-9 officer who was involved in the arrest of Darius Chappell, who later died in Montgomery County Jail, has been terminated from the force.

Officer Steven Deering had been on administrative leave during CPD’s use-of-force investigation into the June 29 incident.

“Upon completion of the CPD’s internal investigation and disciplinary process, Officer Deering is no longer employed by the Clarksville Police Department as of September 1, 2026,” according to a statement from CPD spokesman Scott Beaubien.

The statement did not specify whether Deering’s termination was the result of a resignation or dismissal.

“The investigation and resulting personnel actions were handled in accordance with departmental policy, City Code, and personnel procedures,” Beaubien said. “Due to the ongoing TBI investigation, no other information will be released at this time.”

Deering had history of reprimands, commendations

Officer Deering, 34, was hired by CPD in May 2015. A review of his personnel file by Clarksville Now shows a history of both reprimands and commendations.

Deering was written up for violating CPD’s policy against vehicle pursuits multiple times, including in November 2019, July 2024 and May 2025. In March 2019, he backed into another vehicle in his patrol car. In February 2021, Deering was reprimanded for a making a warrantless entry into an apartment. For that, he was required to take remedial drug unit training.

In July 2025, his reprimands led him to be put on a personal improvement plan, which he completed satisfactorily in October 2025. His annual performance reviews showed mostly “meets” or “exceeds standards.”

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Deering had significant commendations in his file as well, the records show. In November 2018, he earned a Lifesaver Award for giving first aid to a man who was bleeding from a gunshot wound. In June 2018, during a pursuit involving gunfire, he used his patrol car to disable the suspect vehicle. And on Dec. 9, 2023, he was one of the first officers on the scene in the aftermath of the deadly Clarksville tornado, and he helped rescue a woman from the rubble.

In April 2026, he was in his fourth year as K-9 handler for Police Service Dog “Rizzo.” It has not been confirmed whether Rizzo was the dog used in Chappell’s arrest on June 29.

Out-of-county warrants, struggle in middle of highway

Chappell’s arrest took place at 11:30 a.m. June 29 on Fort Campbell Boulevard, when Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies saw a parked vehicle registered to the suspect. Chappell, 34, was wanted on drug and parole violations out of Hardin County, Tennessee, according to records obtained by Clarksville Now.

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 CPD Officer Deering join in the struggle. With Chappell on his back, the Deering goes to his vehicle and releases a K9 police dog. The dog attacks Chappell as the officers handcuff him. Deering then removes the dog, which continues snapping as it is returned to the vehicle.

According to the arrest warrant, Chappell had grabbed a deputy’s vest near the throat and pulled the deputy, Deering then deployed the K-9, which bit Chappell and ended the altercation.

Friday, July 3, five days after his arrest, Chappell was found dead in his cell at the Montgomery County Jail. No cause of death has been released.

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