Daniel Chiodini made his initial appearance Tuesday morning and had his bond denied for the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer Sunday.
Judge Donovan McComb set the tone early Tuesday during Chiodini’s initial appearance in Municipal Court. When McComb asked him about his name, Chiodini responded with a hint of smugness that the judge could call him by his first name. McComb wasted no time setting the record straight.
“I can refer to as Mr. Chiodini as I please. This is not your courtroom,” McComb said.
Chiodini responded that he was trying to give Judge McComb the option because his last name can be difficult to pronounce. McComb said that he understood that but that it was a time for Chiodini to be quiet and it was not his turn to speak.
The last known address for Chiodini was in St. Louis, Mo., but when McComb asked him about his current address, Chiodini said that he does not have one. Chiodini added that he does not identify as homeless but rather identifies as a transient. His transient status was made clear when Judge McComb later went over Chiodini’s arrest record.
Judge McComb then went over Chiodini’s charges with him, beginning with burglary of a dwelling.
“You did willingly, unlawfully, knowingly, feloniously and precariously break into the house of (redacted), located at 340 Old Foxworth Rd. in Columbia, Mississippi. The second charge is … possession of a stolen firearm and that you did willingly, unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously possess a stolen firearm on Aug. 17, 2025, at 340 Old Foxworth Rd.
“The third charge, under 97-9-125, tampering with physical evidence, that you did willingly, unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously believe that an official proceeding was pending, and without legal right or authority did conceal physical evidence with intent to impair its availability with respect to official proceedings.
“The last charge is under 97-1-7 and/or 97-3-19, which is attempted murder of a law enforcement (officer). It says that you did willingly, unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously attempt to, with deliberate design, to affect the death of Officer Jozef Scott, a human being. This goes with the weapon that you (fired), and also allegedly concealed, at his patrol car possibly while thinking he was still in that patrol car.”
Chiodini said, “I understand what you read to me” when asked if he understood the charges.
Judge McComb then asked the law enforcement present if any of the officers had any input on whether or not Chiodini should receive bond or what it should be. CPD Capt. of Investigations Chris Brumfield stepped forward and asked Judge McComb to consider denying Chiodini’s bond because of the seriousness of the charge as well as the fact that the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could result in a life sentence in prison. Brumfield added that he believes Chiodini could be considered a flight risk.
Columbia Police Chief Adrien Fortenberry stepped forward to speak as well, echoing Brumfield’s sentiment and adding that Chiodini’s transient status makes him a considerable flight risk should he bond out of jail.
McComb then said that he considers several factors when deciding bond, including the seriousness of the charges as well as the alleged perpetrator’s criminal history and whether they would be considered a danger to themselves or others. He then listed Chiodini’s past run-ins with the law, including three charges for assault with a deadly weapon in North Carolina, resisting an officer in Indiana and failure to comply with a court order in St. Louis.
“That tells me several things. It tells me that with the nature of the charge (attempted murder of a law enforcement officer) itself, you’ve already shown that you are potentially a danger to others. You’ve shown that,” McComb said. “Also, the multiple jurisdictions that these occurred in tell me that you are a flight risk.”
McComb then denied Chiodini’s bond. Chiodini’s preliminary hearing in Justice Court is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 9 a.m., and his bond could be adjusted at that time.
