Decherd Police documents contradict police chief's statements on Ward investigation Comments to Board and NewsChannel 5 now questioned Two documents given to NewsChannel 5 Thursday now cast doubt over statements Decherd Police Chief Ross Peterson made to Decherd city leaders this week. and last updated 2021-07-15 23:39:32-04 DECHERD, Tenn. (WTVF) â Two documents given to NewsChannel 5 Thursday now cast doubt over statements Decherd Police Chief Ross Peterson made to Decherd city leaders this week. The statements surround the fallout from a road rage incident off of one of the most heavily trafficked roadways in the state. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office says in June, former Decherd Police Officer Mathew Ward -- who was off duty and more than 50 miles outside of his jurisdiction -- held a driver at gunpoint using his police-issued service weapon.