Six law enforcement officers from multiple West Tennessee agencies are facing criminal charges following an investigation into allegations of excessive force during an October 2024 arrest.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched its investigation at the request of 29th Judicial District Attorney General Danny Goodman after a police pursuit ended in Dyer County on Oct.19, 2024.
According to the TBI, a Mason Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle resembling one linked to a wanted suspect out of Shelby County. The driver refused to stop, leading officers from multiple agencies on a chase through three counties before crashing on Highway 51 in Dyer County.
A witness filmed the officers’ interactions with the driver of the vehicle, Jackson Hopper, who allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Ellie Young, during a breast cancer walk in Memphis. The officers appeared to assault Hopper before arresting him.
Following the months-long investigation, a Dyer County Grand Jury returned indictments on Feb. 10, charging six officers with offenses including official misconduct, official oppression, assault, and tampering with evidence.
Three of those charged currently work for the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, one is a former TCSO deputy, and another is a former Covington officer.
The officers charged are:
• Zachary Antle, 32, Mason Police Department – One count each of official misconduct, official oppression, and assault.
• Dakota Wilkerson, 27, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office – One count each of official misconduct, official oppression, and assault.
• Samuel Chastain, 35, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office – One count each of official misconduct, official oppression, and assault.
• Matthew Lawler, 29, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office – One count of tampering with evidence.
• Benjamin Stanifer, 30, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office – One count of tampering with evidence.
• Bryan Lane, 37, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office – One count each of official misconduct, official oppression, and assault.
All six officers surrendered to authorities and were booked into the Dyer County Jail before being released on $25,000 bond each.
Authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the alleged misconduct or the actions leading to the charges. The TBI emphasized that the charges are accusations, not proof of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.
Sheriff Responds to Indictments
Sheriff Shannon Beasley issued a statement expressing disbelief and sadness over the indictments, emphasizing that the deputies acted bravely in pursuing a violent murder suspect who posed an extreme threat to the public.
“No matter what happened today in the Dyer County Grand Jury, let us not forget why we are truly here,” Beasley said. “We are here due to the murder of an innocent young lady, Ellie Young. Ellie was senselessly murdered while at a benefit walk for the American Cancer Society. I say this because I do not want anyone to forget who the victim is in this incident.”
Beasley detailed the severe danger the suspect posed, including attempts to run over officers, drive head-on into traffic, and threats to use his firearm. He credited deputies with stopping the suspect before he could harm more people.
“These deputies had mere seconds to make life-threatening decisions and process actions in a violent situation, while others have had months to review,” Beasley said, adding that his office has yet to receive investigative materials and hopes for further review in the coming days.
“From the onset of this investigation, we have been transparent and worked with the other investigating agencies, and we will continue to do so. I will support our deputies and the job they did and anxiously await further information in the coming days. We will have faith in our justice system and allow it to run its course.”
Beasley also expressed support for the indicted deputies and their families while offering continued prayers for the family of Ellie Young.
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