Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman’s son Garry Chapman has been fired from the Priceville, Alabama police department after he was involved in a high-speed chase that left a teenager dead.
City officials said Garry’s termination was determined following an internal review and was upheld by Mayor Sam Heflin, according to FOX54/Rocket City Now, WAFF 48 and News 19. Garry, 24, has since appealed the decision and he is set to appear at a City Council hearing on October 14.
“The Supreme Court allows pursuit as long as you’re assessing danger throughout the pursuit,” Garry’s attorney, Scott Morro, told FOX54 about his appeal. “And it’s unfortunate that it turned out the way it did. But Garry followed the law, and he followed the policy.
The attorney continued, “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.”
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Garry was let go from the department following a pursuit that took place in nearby Hartselle on September 6. He was one of the officers chasing Archie Hale, who authorities said was driving under the influence.
During the pursuit, Hale’s vehicle slammed into a minivan that had four teenagers in it, according to People.
17-year-old Tristan Hollis was ultimately killed in the collision. In addition to Hollis, six other people involved in the collision were also rushed to the hospital.
Hale was among the people sent to the hospital, and he was booked into Morgan County Jail on September 11 once his medical care was complete. He is currently being held without bond on a murder charge, as well as charges of attempting to elude, possession with intent, DUI and reckless endangerment, according to a Morgan County District Attorney’s Office press release.
Following the tragedy, Hollis’ mom, Rachel Moore, issued a statement about her grief via Facebook.
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“He was my only child,” Moore said in a September 8 post. “Please pray for all the young men that were involved in this accident. Also, I ask for everyone to pray for the man, Archie Brandon Hale, that killed my sweet, precious son. Yes, he selfishly and maliciously took my son’s life, but in the end, my son is in a far better place than what is about to be bestowed amongst him.”
Garry, whom Duane, 72, shared with his late wife Beth Chapman, joined the Priceville Police Department in 2023.
