A police officer, the son of reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter, lost his job following a fatal high-speed pursuit in Alabama.
Priceville Police Officer Garry Chapman was terminated from his position after his involvement in a September 6 chase that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis in Morgan County, according to The New York Post. The 24-year-old son of Alice and Duane Chapman had appeared alongside his famous parents in several episodes of the long-running reality series.
Police Chief Jerry Holmes made the decision to fire Chapman, with Mayor Sam Heflin supporting the recommendation to terminate officers involved in the deadly incident. Chapman had been placed on administrative leave as part of standard protocol during the internal investigation that followed the crash.
Fatal Chase Details
The pursuit began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Archie Hale for moving violations and suspected driving under the influence on Interstate 65 around 8:30 p.m. Hale failed to comply with the traffic stop, prompting the high-speed chase that would prove fatal.
Chapman joined the pursuit as the suspect vehicle exited the interstate onto Main Street in neighboring Hartselle. The chase continued through the residential area as multiple officers attempted to apprehend the fleeing driver.
Hale's vehicle ultimately slammed into a minivan carrying four teenage boys before crashing into a nearby ditch. The impact launched the minivan across the intersection, where it came to rest after the devastating collision.
Victim and Charges
Seventeen-year-old Tristan Hollis was among the four boys in the destroyed minivan and was immediately transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, Hollis was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash.
The other three teenagers in the minivan were hospitalized along with Hale's passenger, all suffering various injuries from the collision. Hale himself was seriously injured in the crash but survived the incident.
Authorities charged Hale with murder in connection with Hollis's death, along with driving under the influence. Additional charges against Hale include possession of drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs, possession of a controlled substance, and reckless endangerment.
Legal Defense and Appeal
Chapman has filed an appeal of his termination, maintaining that he followed both department policy and state law during the pursuit. His attorney Scott Morro argues that the officer acted appropriately given the circumstances of the chase.
A hearing before the city council is scheduled for October 14 to review Chapman's appeal of the firing decision. Morro contends that Chapman followed proper protocol and assessed danger throughout the pursuit as required by law.
The defense attorney praised Chapman as an excellent officer who had made several important cases for Priceville despite his short tenure. Morro described Chapman as the department's top officer and expressed hope that the city council would recognize his value and order his reinstatement.
Background and Future Proceedings
Chapman gained recognition through his appearances on various Dog the Bounty Hunter television series alongside his celebrity parents. His law enforcement career had been developing independently of his family's reality TV fame before this incident occurred.
The case highlights ongoing debates about police pursuit policies and the balance between public safety and law enforcement duties. The Supreme Court guidelines referenced by Chapman's attorney allow pursuits when officers continuously assess danger levels throughout the chase.
Hale faces additional charges, including attempting to elude a police officer and multiple traffic violations, according to his inmate record. The outcome of Chapman's appeal hearing will determine whether he can return to his law enforcement career or if his termination will stand as final.
