Two off duty officers called into action over disturbance

‘I’m not your buddy, bitch’- Brad Widener to Campbell County Sheriff Chief Deputy Cody Chapman

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- In a grocery store on Sunday, two off duty, non-uniformed police officers were allegedly attacked by a man who has an extensive arrest record, 37 arrests, based on jail records.

Campbell County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Cody Chapman and Investigator Zack Daugherty were inside the Food Lion around 4pm when the officers were approached by William Brad Widener.

Widener allegedly said “Hey, bitch” to Chapman. The chief allegedly took it as a joke and responded “Hey, Brad, how you doing?”

That’s when Widener became aggressive in nature advancing toward Chapman and while directly pointing in Chapman’s face, he stated “I’m not your buddy, bitch”, according to the arrest report from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.

Widener alleged Chapman had assaulted him on a previous date. The incident Widener was referencing involved Chapman and Det. Sgt. Franklin Ayers arresting Widener on property crimes.

Daugherty told Widener he needed to leave the store, because he was causing a disturbance. Then Daugherty identified himself as a law enforcement officer and warned Widener that he would be arrested if he continued the disturbance.

Widener told Chapman that “he would kill him,” based on the sheriff’s report. That’s when the officers separated themselves from Widener in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. On duty law enforcement was notified.

Again, Widener approached Chapman and Daugherty. This time, Widener began screaming multiple obscenities causing a disturbance.

Widener left the store and met up with on duty Deputy David Miracle in the parking lot. Chapman joined Miracle outside and advised Widener that he was under arrest

Upon attempting to handcuff Widener, Widener allegedly physically resisted the officers and attempted to strike Chapman with his elbow. Widener was taken to the ground where he continued to resist. Daugherty then used control techniques to gain compliance and handcuff Widener.

During the incident, Chapman suffered a laceration to his knee. Miracle’s hand was injured.

William Bradley Widener, 51, 206 North 8th Street, La Follette, was charged with retaliation for past action, disorderly conduct, resist-stop-frisk-halt-search and aggravated assault against a first responder, involving deadly weapon.

A Thursday court date awaits Widener who is being housed this morning in the Campbell County Jail without bond. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/17/2025-6AM)