safety
Man bitten by a Clarksville police K-9 during arrest dies in custody. Here’s what we know about the use-of-force investigation
By Caleb Wethington, Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Update (11:45 a.m.): The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies are investigating an in-custody death at the Montgomery County Jail on Friday.When asked to confirm the death of Darrius Chappel on Friday, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office repli...
Key takeaway ): The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies are investigating an in-custody death at the Montgomery County Jail on Friday.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The death of Darrius Chappell in custody raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement in the Nashville area. As the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation takes over the investigation, Nashville residents will be watching closely to see how this case is handled. The fact that the Clarksville Police Department has refused to release details about the arrest and the officer involved has only added to concerns about transparency and accountability. This incident is likely to spark a broader conversation about police practices and the need for greater oversight in Davidson County and beyond. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, which had Chappell in custody at the time of his death, will also face scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding his death. As the investigation unfolds, Nashville residents will be looking for answers about what happened and how it could have been prevented.
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: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Update (11:45 a.m.): The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies are investigating an in-custody death at the Montgomery County Jail on Friday.When asked to confirm the death of Darrius Chappel on Friday, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office repli...
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 Caleb Wethington, Chasity Maynard 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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