Officer Garry Chapman, son of reality TV stars Dog the Bounty Hunter, has been dismissed from the Priceville Police Department following his involvement in a fatal high-speed chase that claimed the life of a 17-year-old.
According to WHNT, Chapman was let go after the incident occurred on September 6 in Morgan County, Alabama, leading to an inter-city pursuit.
Garry, who is just 24 years old, is the son of Alice and Duane Chapman and has been featured alongside his parents in multiple episodes of “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” the long-standing reality series.
Initially, he was placed on administrative leave, a procedural step while an internal inquiry was conducted.
Priceville Police Chief Jerry Holmes announced Garry’s termination, which was confirmed by Mayor Sam Heflin, who backed the decision to fire the officers implicated in the tragic event.
Challenging the decision, Chapman has submitted an appeal, maintaining that he adhered to the department’s regulations and state laws during the chase.
A hearing with the city council is set for October 14, as reported by Fox 54.
“The Supreme Court allows pursuits as long as officers continually assess the associated dangers. It’s regrettable how it turned out, but Garry acted within the law and followed departmental policy. We believe that after the hearing, the City Council will recognize Chapman as a valuable asset rather than a liability, and we hope for his reinstatement,” said Scott Morro, Chapman’s attorney.
Morro also emphasized, “Garry Chapman is an outstanding police officer who has successfully resolved numerous cases for the City of Priceville, establishing himself as their top officer despite his limited tenure.”
The events unfolded when police targeted a vehicle allegedly driven by Archie Hale due to traffic violations and suspicion of DUI. Hale reportedly ignored commands to stop on Interstate 65 shortly before 8:30 PM on September 6.
The pursuit commenced as Chapman joined in after the suspect exited the interstate onto Main Street in Hartselle.
Hale’s vehicle allegedly collided with a minivan carrying four teenage boys before veering into a ditch.
The force of the impact sent the minivan across the intersection, ultimately coming to a standstill.
Tristan Hollis was among the occupants of the damaged vehicle and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hale sustained serious injuries from the crash and has since been charged with murder.
In addition to the murder charge, authorities have filed multiple charges against Hale, including possession of drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs, possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, DUI, attempting to evade police, and various traffic offenses, as noted in his inmate record seen by The Post.
The three other teenagers, along with Hale’s passenger, sustained injuries and required hospitalization due to the accident.
