Attempted Suicide by Cop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 18, 2019
Case #19-7939 (Deadly Conduct)
1200 Blk. W. Young

On Monday, 03/18/2019 at approximately 12:00 a.m., an Aransas Pass Police Officer heard gunshots to the north of town. The officer responded with his partner to the area uncertain if the shooting was occurring in or outside of the City Limits.

Will Chappell
Deadly Conduct &
Poss. of a Stolen Firearm

While searching down Young Street, a caller phoned in and told APPD that Will Chappell AGE 52 had called saying he was preparing to have a shootout with the police. The caller reported it was Will’s intention to have officers kill him.

Aransas Pass officers staged a perimeter, called in more support and put on heavy body armor. Police command organized a plan to handle Will and established barriers to prevent him from escaping from the area since he was found to be held up in a truck on the property. Police also notified surrounding residents via the reserve 911 call/text/email system asking them to take shelter and avoid areas near windows.

During the encounter, Will fired his weapon several times shooting into the air and through the windshield of his truck. A witness on location was able to monitor Will’s actions and provide police with updates. Will also spoke with an Aransas Pass officer for approximately 45 minutes and continued to insist that he was going to force officers to shoot and kill him.

After several hours of trying to talk Will down, he ended up driving to an area where officers had laid up spike strips to prevent him from getting very far in the truck. Will got out of his truck and and was immediately confronted by two Aransas Pass Police officers who tackled him to the ground.

Will was taken into custody and transported to Northshore ER for medical clearance. Once cleared, he was returned to the PD and charged with Deadly Conduct (felony) and possession of a stolen firearm (felony). A referral was also made for a mental health evaluation.

One Aransas Pass officer received minor injuries while taking the suspect into custody. No other injuries or property damage has been reported.

We appreciate the immediate support and assistance provided by the San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office, Aransas County Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS, and Tri-County EMS.

Any further media inquires should be directed to Assistant Chief of Police David Wood by calling 361-758-5224.

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