Police Officer Brian Heywood Chappell, West Palm Beach Police Department, Florida

Police Officer Brian Heywood Chappell

West Palm Beach Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Monday, August 22, 1988

Brian Heywood Chappell

Police Officer Brian Chappell was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Malverne Road, near the intersection with South Dixie Highway, during a speed enforcement assignment.

As Officer Chappell approached the vehicle the driver leaned out and fired a single shot which struck him in the heart. He was able to call for assistance before succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was apprehended two days later. He was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to death.

Officer Chappell had left his vest in his locker due to the excessive heat.

Officer Chappell had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for five years. He is survived by his parents, three brothers, and sister.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 5 years
Badge 826

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to death

no vest, traffic stop

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I was a dispatcher with West Palm Beach PD when this happened. It was extremely difficult and brought to light a lot of issues that were happening with the radio communications back in the day. I left West Palm PD shortly after the incident... not because of it... but because of all that I had learned in my time there and took it with me as Dispatch Supervisor for another agency. I went on to have a very long career that I do not regret but sadly did way too many final sign offs with my department. I did not know Brian well, but his death taught me to be a better dispatcher. And for that, I thank him as I can imagine every officer I worked with over the next 16 years did.

Pamela Heaston, Ret Dispatch Supv
Former WPBPD Dispatcher/Call Taker

March 1, 2016