An Innocent Teenager Died In The Chase That Officer Garry Chapman Allegedly Led
Garry Chapman, 24, the son of Duane Chapman, aka Dog the Bounty Hunter, had been in law enforcement for nearly four years.
After a high-speed chase on September 6, which allegedly led to an innocent teenager being killed, Garry was placed on administrative leave from the Priceville Police Department in Alabama.
Now, as of September 30, Garry has been fired from the department, according to a local news report from WAFF 48.
When he was featured as the April Officer Spotlight in the Priceville Police Department earlier this year, Garry said his father was the reason he pursued a career in law enforcement, adding, “Watching how he treated others and carried himself with integrity made a huge impact on me. I knew I wanted to follow a path where I could make that same kind of difference. Law enforcement became that path for me.”
The Chase
Around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, in Priceville, Alabama, Officer Garry Chapman and another Priceville Police Department officer reportedly began pursuing a driver, identified as Archie Hale, 40, who was allegedly driving under the influence.
Their pursuit reportedly became a high-speed chase, crossing over the city limits of Priceville into the jurisdiction of neighboring Hartselle.
Attempting to go through the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 36, the chase ended as the suspect reportedly crashed his vehicle into a minivan.
The Hartselle Police Department posted about the chase on Facebook, stating, “Video evidence confirms Hale entered the intersection … at a very high rate of speed while the traffic light was red for his direction of travel. His actions demonstrated extreme indifference to human life, as he recklessly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death and ultimately caused the death of a juvenile victim.”
Several people were in the minivan the suspect crashed into, with six people being taken to the hospital, including the suspect.
At the hospital, it was reported that a 17-year-old boy who was in the minivan, named Tristan Hollis, died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash.
In Priceville, Hale is on a $296,000 bond, and has been charged with Murder, Attempting to Elude, Possession with Intent, DUI, Reckless Endangerment, and other moving violations.
In the afternoon of Thursday, September 11, the Hartselle Police Department shared that “Archie Hale was released from medical care, arrested, and booked into the Morgan County Jail. He is being held with no bond on the murder of a juvenile citizen of Hartselle.”
The Hartselle Police also noted on Facebook:
“This investigation remains ongoing and extensive, with multiple victims involved. Investigators must obtain and review medical records to determine the severity of all injuries, and additional charges are expected as findings are confirmed.”
Garry’s Lawyer Responds To His Termination
The decision to fire Garry Chapman is presently being appealed.
Speaking with FOX 54, Garry’s legal representation, Scott Morro, said, “The Supreme Court allows pursuit as long as you’re assessing danger throughout the pursuit, and it’s unfortunate that it turned out the way it did, but Garry followed the law, and he followed the policy.”
Morro added, “We hope that the City Council, after the hearing, will see it our way and recognize that Chapman is an asset to their city and not a detriment, and so hopefully he’ll be reinstated.”
A hearing has been set for October 14.