Chattanooga Police Sgt. Timothy Chapin

The bullet that struck Chattanooga police Sgt. Tim Chapin entered through the bridge of his nose and he fell to the ground, cutting his knees, hands and bruising his head, a Hamilton County Medical Examiner's report revealed today.

Chapin, a 26-year veteran with Chattanooga Police Department, was responding to a robbery-in-progress call at U.S. Money Store, 5952 Brainerd Road, on April 2 when he tried to apprehend gunman, 25-year-old Jesse Mathews.

Mathews, armed with two guns and wearing a bulletproof vest, fired upon officers through the store front before fleeing out a side door of the business.

Chapin pursued Mathews in his patrol car as other officers pursued him on foot towards Old Birds Mill Road at the rear of the business.

Mathews fired at Chapin in the car. Chapin hit Mathews with his patrol car, but Mathews immediately got back up. Chapin exited his vehicle and exchanged fire with Mathews.

Chapin was shot by Mathews once.

The bullet exited through the back of Chapin's head. He was pronounced dead at the scene after his fellow officers tried to render aid.

The type of gun is not listed in the medical examiner's report and police have not released additional details.

Mathews also was shot and taken into custody. He was hospitalized, then jailed Friday and charged with Chapin's death. Authorities have not released the nature of his injuries.

Read more in tomorrow's Times Free Press.