In a recent development, Dyer County Deputy Larry "Lynn" Waller has been charged with official misconduct related to an incident involving the use of excessive force during the arrest of Jackson Hopper. As stated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Waller is accused of failing to perform his statutory duty to intervene after witnessing the misconduct. This indictment, disclosed yesterday, underscores a deepening concern regarding law enforcement accountability within the region.
The saga unfolds after Hopper allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend, Ellie Claire Young, at Shelby Farms Park, prompting a multi-county car pursuit that ended in Dyer County. According to a report by Action News 5, Waller, now the seventh officer facing charges, was the supervising deputy at the scene. He apparently failed "to intervene" during the aggressive apprehension of Hopper on Oct. 19, 2024, despite witnessing other officers using unnecessary force on the suspect.
Footage of the arrest, which shows the alleged excessive force, has contributed to the TBI's investigation, resulting in the filing of charges against Waller. The former sergeant at Dyer County Sheriff's Office turned himself in and was released on a $25,000 bond, as reported by WREG News. This case has drawn attention to the broader issue of police conduct, especially when subduing suspects deemed dangerous or combative.
Six other officers from various law enforcement agencies are already facing indictments on a range of charges from assault to tampering with evidence. These charges are connected to Hopper's arrest and the events that transpired as he led officers through a harrowing chase, which included trying to run over a Tipton County Constable and a Dyer County sergeant. Despite the charges, all officers have been released on bonds of $25,000, as noted by a Local Memphis statement. These developments raise questions about the systemic issues that might exist within local law enforcement agencies and the measures taken to ensure justice and fair treatment, even for those accused of heinous crimes.
Hopper remains in custody, charged with first-degree murder for the death of Young, alongside other charges related to the chase.
