Nationwide — Darius Chappell, an African American man from Clarksville, Tennessee, died in jail days after a police dog attacked him during his arrest. His family and civil rights groups are calling for a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Chappell, 34, was arrested on June 29 after Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies approached him inside a Burger King over an alleged parole violation. Authorities said he fled on foot before officers eventually caught up with him.
According to Atlanta Black Star, video from the scene shows Chappell lying on the ground while several officers restrained him. A local police officer then opened a patrol vehicle door and released a police dog, which attacked Chappell for nearly a minute as he screamed in pain and followed officers’ orders to roll over and put his hands behind his back.
A witness who recorded the encounter questioned why the dog continued attacking Chappell while multiple officers were already holding him down. The witness also said the dog later bit the officer who removed it from Chappell.
After the arrest, officials said Chappell was taken to a hospital for evaluation and was cleared before being moved to the Montgomery County Jail. Authorities described his injuries as a “superficial wound,” but his family said he suffered more serious injuries that required medical attention.
Four days later, Chappell, a father of three, was found unresponsive inside his jail cell. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His family said they repeatedly contacted the jail and other organizations because they were worried about his condition after the attack. His ex-wife, Jessica Ponds, said Chappell had open wounds and needed proper medical care.
Ponds said watching the arrest video was painful and questioned why officers used a police dog while Chappell was already surrounded and restrained. She said she wants the officers involved to be held accountable.
The Clarksville police officer who released the dog has been placed on paid administrative leave. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is reviewing Chappell’s death, but officials have not released the names of the officers involved.
Before his death, Chappell faced charges including evading arrest, assault on law enforcement officers, and resisting arrest. His family and the Tennessee NAACP are requesting a federal investigation into his death.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign was also created to help cover Chappell’s funeral expenses. It has so far raised nearly $6,000.