Middlesboro Man Assaults Juvenile Attending A Funeral

From WRIL - The Big One -

Chase Naff - BCDC

On Monday, June 16, 2025 a Middlesboro man was arrested for after confronting a 16-year-old juvenile male attending a family member's funeral at the Shumate Funeral Home property.

Middlesboro Police Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson states in a citation that 35-year-old Chase Naff assaulted the juvenile and they began fighting on the sidewalk at the funeral home then onto Cumberland Avenue. Naff was seen by those in attendance placing the juvenile in a head lock causing him difficulty in breathing.

Upon police arrival Naff fled the scene and was found behind the funeral home. He continued to flee on a scooter as Sgt. Johnson identified himself. Naff was finally arrested after taking a stance as if to fight the officer then surrendering and falling to the ground after the sergeant pointed his taser at him.

After being treated for injuries sustained in the fight, Chase Naff was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

He was charged with fleeing or evading police - 3rd degree, disorderly conduct - 1st degree, menacing, interference with a funeral, assault - 4th degree, assault - 4th degree (child abuse), and strangulation - 2nd degree.

The reason for the conflict was not released.