The Priceville City Council has reinstated police officer Garry Chapman, reversing his termination following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a deadly crash last month.
The council’s decision came Monday night after a two-and-a-half-hour executive session.
The vote to overturn the firing was unanimous, and Chapman will now face a 10-day suspension without pay rather than dismissal. Mayor Sam Heflin recused himself from the vote.
“After the council reconvened and voted to reinstate Chapman, the public was invited to comment. Several people, both for and against the decision, spoke — including Chapman’s father, Duane Lee Chapman, better known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter”.
Chapman was initially fired on September 22 after a disciplinary hearing earlier that month found he violated the department’s pursuit policy.
The incident in question began on the night of September 6, when Chapman attempted to pull over Archie Brandon Hale, 40, for suspected DUI and traffic violations. Hale fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase from Priceville toward Hartselle.
The pursuit ended at the intersection of Highway 36 and U.S. 31 in Hartselle, where Hale’s vehicle struck another car carrying four teens. Seventeen-year-old Tristan Hollis was killed in the crash. Several others were injured. Hale was taken into custody and charged with reckless murder, though under Alabama law he remains innocent until proven guilty.
An internal review determined that Chapman had continued the pursuit at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour through downtown Hartselle, an area he acknowledged he was unfamiliar with. City officials concluded that Chapman failed to re-evaluate the safety risks of the chase in accordance with department policy.
In addition to his reinstatement with suspension, Chapman had previously filed a $10 million wrongful termination claim against the city, according to WHNT’s reporting.
Chapman, who is the son of Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, was hired by the Priceville Police Department in January. He had been placed on leave following the crash pending investigation — a standard procedure, Priceville Police Chief Jerry Holmes previously confirmed.
Hale remains held without bond at the Morgan County Jail.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.
