safety
Calls for transparency grow after Clarksville man dies in custody following police dog bite
By Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Family members, community organizations and elected officials are calling for transparency after Darius Chappell died while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail.Chappell was found dead at the jail on Friday, days after an encounter with law enforcement.Footage revi...
Key takeaway Footage reviewed by WSMV4 showed he was tased, pulled by his hair and bitten by a police dog for nearly one minute.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The death of Darius Chappell while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail raises concerns about police accountability and transparency in Middle Tennessee. As the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office conduct their investigations, the community will be watching closely for answers about the events leading up to Chappell's death. The fact that Chappell was taken to a hospital after the encounter with law enforcement and later received routine medical care while incarcerated will likely be a key part of the investigation. Montgomery County Commissioner David Shelton's call for transparency echoes the sentiments of many in the community who are seeking a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding Chappell's death. The use of force by law enforcement, including the deployment of a police dog, will also be subject to scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Family members, community organizations and elected officials are calling for transparency after Darius Chappell died while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail.Chappell was found dead at the jail on Friday, days after an encounter with law enforcement.Footage revi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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