Sergeant James Timothy Chapin

Sergeant James Timothy Chapin | Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee
Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee
Sergeant James Timothy Chapin

Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Saturday, April 2, 2011

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James Timothy Chapin

Sergeant Tim Chapin was shot and killed after responding to a robbery at a pawn shop on Brainerd Road at approximately 10:25 am.

As responding officers arrived at the scene, they were immediately fired upon by the suspect from inside the store. As officers took to cover, the subject ran from a side door and continued firing at pursuing officers.

The subject then fired into Sergeant Chapin's patrol car as he arrived at the scene. The patrol car struck the subject, and Sergeant Chapin exited the vehicle and pursued the man on foot but was shot in the head and killed.

Other officers continued to return fire and shot the suspect before taking him into custody. One other officer was shot in the back, but the round was stopped by his vest. The suspect was wearing a bulletproof vest which stopped several rounds fired by the officers. He was subsequently shot above and below the vest before being taken into custody.

In November 2012, the subject pleaded guilty to six counts, including first-degree murder, and was sentenced to life without parole plus 25 years.

Sergeant Chapin had served with the Chattanooga Police Department for 27 years and had also served for one year with the United States Capitol Police. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 51
  • Tour 27 years
  • Badge 554

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

robbery

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

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