Huntsville, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Retired Huntsville Police officer Nathan Nickelson has been arrested, marking the fifth officer facing criminal charges since July. Nickelson is accused of illegally taking $25,000 from Crime Stoppers reward money. This incident follows other troubling behavior from HPD officers, including a sergeant charged for using pepper spray off duty. Police Chief Kirk Giles reassured the community that these actions do not represent the department’s values and emphasized a commitment to accountability and integrity within law enforcement.
Huntsville
In a troubling series of events, retired Huntsville Police officer Nathan Nickelson has been arrested, marking the fifth officer from the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) to face criminal charges since July. Nickelson is accused of illegally taking $25,000 from Crime Stoppers reward money, an alarming breach of trust for a former law enforcement officer.
Only a day prior to Nickelson’s arrest, HPD sergeant Timothy Richards was charged after using pepper spray while off duty. This incident raises further concerns regarding the behavior of HPD officers and their adherence to departmental regulations and community expectations.
This year has been troubling for the Huntsville Police Department, with several officers facing legal issues. Earlier this month, officers George Wheeler III and Scott Hartman were arrested in separate incidents involving driving under the influence (DUI). Additionally, former officer Chadwick Campbell was charged with willful torture and abuse of a child in July. Presently, ex-officer David McCoy awaits trial for the alleged killing of his pregnant girlfriend, which occurred in 2022.
In response to these alarming incidents, Police Chief Kirk Giles addressed community concerns, emphasizing that the actions of these officers do not reflect the department’s standards or values. Chief Giles reiterated the HPD’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and trust in law enforcement. Underlining the importance of accountability, he stated that the department would take appropriate actions against any member who violates these core values.
As of now, Nickelson has bonded out of jail, while Wheeler, Hartman, and Campbell have been reassigned to desk duty pending the outcome of their cases. Sergeant Timothy Richards has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest and a citizen complaint that instigated the investigation leading to his charges. Richards was arrested on September 25 and released the same day after posting a $10,000 bond.
Overview of Recent Arrests at Huntsville Police Department
| Officer Name | Arrest Date | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Nickelson | September 26 | Theft of $25,000 from Crime Stoppers | Bonded out |
| Timothy Richards | September 25 | Use of pepper spray while off duty | Administrative leave |
| George Wheeler III | Earlier September 2023 | DUI | Desk duty |
| Scott Hartman | Earlier September 2023 | DUI | Desk duty |
| Chadwick Campbell | July 2023 | Willful torture/abuse of a child | Desk duty |
| David McCoy | Awaiting trial | Allegedly killing a pregnant girlfriend | Awaiting trial |
FAQ
How many Huntsville Police Officers have been arrested since July?
Five Huntsville Police Officers have been arrested since July.
Why was Nathan Nickelson arrested?
Nathan Nickelson was arrested for pocketing $25,000 from Crime Stoppers reward money.
What charges does Timothy Richards face?
Timothy Richards was charged with firing pepper spray while off duty.
What are the current statuses of the arrested officers?
Nathan Nickelson has bonded out of jail; Wheeler, Hartman, and Campbell are on desk duty; and Timothy Richards is on administrative leave.
What has the Police Chief said about these incidents?
Police Chief Kirk Giles stated that these officers’ actions do not reflect the department’s standards or values and emphasized the commitment to integrity, professionalism, and trust.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Madison County Board Approves $51.3 Million Budget
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Huntsville Police Officers Arrested for DUI
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Police Chief Addresses 5th Officer Arrest
- Google Search: Huntsville Police Department arrests
- WHNT: Huntsville Police Sergeant Arrested and Released on Bond
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Police Sergeant Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville, Alabama
- WAAY: Huntsville Police Sergeant Charged with Criminal Use of Defensive Spray
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
