safety
‘He should still be here’: Family demands answers after Tennessee man bitten by police K-9 dies in custody
By Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Darrius Chappell, 44, died while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail on Friday, July 3, days after his controversial arrest. Video obtained by WSMV shows Chappell being tased, snatched by his hair and bitten for nearly a minute by a Clarksville Police Department K...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - Darrius Chappell, 44, died while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail on Friday, July 3, days after his controversial arrest.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The death of Darrius Chappell while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail raises concerns about the use of force by local law enforcement and the medical treatment of inmates. As the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office investigate the circumstances surrounding Chappell's death, Nashville residents should consider the potential implications for their own community. The fact that multiple agencies are involved in the investigation suggests a recognition of the need for transparency and accountability in policing. The case also highlights the importance of ensuring that individuals in custody receive adequate medical attention, particularly after violent arrests. As the city of Clarksville grapples with the aftermath of Chappell's death, Nashville's own law enforcement agencies should take note of the need for careful scrutiny of their own policies and procedures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
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 3, 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) - Darrius Chappell, 44, died while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail on Friday, July 3, days after his controversial arrest. Video obtained by WSMV shows Chappell being tased, snatched by his hair and bitten for nearly a minute by a Clarksville Police Department K...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 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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