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2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Dispensaries duel for space in Jackson County ... Hunter-ed courses taken now will get kids afield this fall ... Heat may overcook chinook ... Dispensaries duel for space in Jackson County ... Hunter-ed courses taken now will get kids afield this fall ... Heat may overcook chinook ... Ex-soldier's death leaves family in shock Mom, sister say Scott Chappell's erratic behavior that led Eagle Point police to use a stun gun, might have been post-traumatic stress disorder The mother of Scott Chappell, who died Tuesday following an altercation with Eagle Point police, said it's ironic that her son survived tours in Afghanistan only to die inside his home. Comment By chris conrad MailTribune.com By chris conrad Posted Jun. 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 15, 2012 at 7:18 PM By chris conrad Posted Jun. 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 15, 2012 at 7:18 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Tased Eagle Point man had methamphetamine in his system, autopsy shows... » Social News The mother of Scott Chappell, who died Tuesday following an altercation with Eagle Point police, said it's ironic that her son survived tours in Afghanistan only to die inside his home. (Correction: The day Chappell died has been corrected in this story) "He made it through the war zone and ends up getting killed here," Carol Kidder said. Chappell's family is awaiting the results of an autopsy that could shed some light on what led to his death. An investigation into his death is under way by the area's Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit. Kidder said she was with Chappell in his home on Little Butte Road when his behavior became erratic, possibly the result of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to his family. "He had his spells with PTSD," said Cindy Chappell, his sister. The officers arrived with paramedics and attempted to subdue Chappell. As they attempted to escort him to a vehicle for transport to the hospital, Chappell began to struggle, police said. The officers used a stun gun, which deploys an electrical charge, to subdue Chappell. It had no effect, police said. Chappell eventually was detained and placed in an ambulance. On the way to the hospital, Chappell stopped breathing. He was taken to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, where he was pronounced dead. Kidder and Cindy Chappell dispute the investigator's take on the events that led to the death. Kidder would not elaborate on her concerns because she was advised by her lawyer not to speak about what she witnessed that day. "I seen it all," Kidder said. "The police story is all fabricated and corrupt." Kidder says she plans to sue the department to make a point about how soldiers are treated upon their return from the war zone. "We are not doing right by these soldiers," she said. "The police need to know how to handle someone suffering from (PTSD)." Chappell, 44, was deployed to Kosovo and Afghanistan during his military career. He started out with the U.S. Army, joining in his 30s. "The people in his unit called him 'Grandpa,' " Cindy Chappell said. He left the Army and found that he missed military life. He joined the National Guard and found himself fighting in Afghanistan. Kidder said her son was affected by some of what he witnessed in Afghanistan. "He would sometimes leave during a violent movie because he couldn't handle it," Cindy Chappell said. "He didn't like to talk about it, but he did tell us that he saw people blown up over there." Chappell returned from duty and became active in local veterans' activities. He was interviewed in a Mail Tribune story in 2010 as part of a veterans' job rally he helped organize in Central Point. His family said Chappell was attending Rogue Community College to attain his nursing degree. "He wanted a job where he could help people," Cindy Chappell said. Chappell's life might have taken a dark turn, however, in recent months. Jackson County Circuit Court records show he was scheduled for trial on charges of possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct. Kidder and Cindy Chappell would not comment on these charges, but said they expected he would have been cleared by a jury. "The truth would have come out," Kidder said. Chappell's hometown was Tracy, Calif., and he moved to Eagle Point five years ago. He leaves behind an 18-year-old daughter who lives in Yuba, Calif. Cindy Chappell said some of the soldiers he served with have called in shock when they heard the news of his death. "They call crying, devastated," she said. She and her brother were set to go bass fishing this weekend. "The worms are still in the backyard," she said. "It's hard to look out there and see them. It makes me think that we were going to spend time together this weekend." Police won't comment on the case until the investigation is completed. That could take some time, as a toxicology test performed on Chappell could take weeks to complete. Meanwhile, Kidder is determined to spread the word about PTSD. "The soldiers are not getting the help they need when they get back," she said. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 541-776-4471 or email [email protected]. By chris conrad MailTribune.com By chris conrad Posted Jun. 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 15, 2012 at 7:18 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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