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| Ivory Chappell |
Homicide Unit Detectives signed warrants on the suspect, Ivory Chappell for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Law Enforcement Officer and Felony Hit and Run. VCAT began tracking Mr. Chappell as soon as they were assigned the case and quickly determined that he was in Georgia, east of Atlanta. VCAT contacted the FBI Task Force in Atlanta request their assistance. Mr. Chappell was arrested on Tadmore Lane in Lithonia GA, by the DeKalb County Police Department.
The Georgia State Patrol assisted with the investigation as well. Mr. Chappell will be housed at the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office until he clears extradition. The Dodge Charger was recovered and will be towed to Charlotte for processing. Mr. Chappell had an outstanding OFA (Order for Arrest) out of North Carolina at the time he fled the scene.
Officer Charles Adkins is the officer who fired the shots at Mr. Chappell as he fled the scene last night. He has been employed with the CMPD since January 22, 2007, and is currently assigned to the Westover Division as a patrol officer. He has been placed on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs investigation into the incident.
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Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are conducting an investigation into an ADW on an CMPD Officer which occurred in the parking lot of 6035 Nations Ford Road in the Westover Division. Officers were initially on scene to investigate a report of a larceny from auto complaint which was reported at 8:04 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2011.
Westover Division Officers responded to Extended Stay America in order to investigate the report of a larceny from auto call placed by a guest of the hotel. After officers arrived on the scene and began to walk to the rear entrance, they encountered a couple with a small child having some type of dispute. During the dispute between the couple, the child was dropped to the ground. The female who was on scene is at Carolinas Medical Center along with the baby for observation.
Based on initial statements from officers, once the male subject saw the Officers approach, he immediately ran for a white Dodge Charger and fled the scene, striking Officer Chris Kunz in the process. Officer Kunz’ partner fired multiple shots at the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene, At this time, it is unknown whether or not the Charger or the suspect was struck by gunfire. The Charger is believed to have fled onto I-77 and has yet to be located.
Officer Kunz has been with the CMPD since September 8, 2008, and is currently assigned to Westover Division as a patrol officer. He is currently at Carolinas Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Once the family of Officer Kunz’ partner has been notified, his name will be released.
Detectives are currently canvassing the hotel to determine if there are any additional witnesses to the incident. Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. The Aviation Unit’s Helicopter responded to the scene in an attempt to locate the suspect vehicle. Internal Affairs responded as well to conduct a separate but parallel investigation into the incident to determine whether or not CMPD Policies and Procedures were adhered to. Detectives with Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and the Gang Unit are assisting in locating the suspect.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Martin is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.