CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Police Department said Monday it is investigating the role of one of its officers in 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 CPD referred to as a “use-of-force incident involving one of our canine officers.” Five days after his arrest, he was found dead Friday, July 3, in his cell at the Montgomery County Jail.

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

Arrest and struggle with officers, K-9

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 Chappell on his back, the CPD officer goes to his vehicle and releases a K9 police dog, which 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.

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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