UPDATE: The son of “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” Garry Chapman, has been fired from the Princeville Police Department following a tragic high-speed chase that resulted in the death of a teenager. The incident occurred on September 6, when Chapman pursued a suspected DUI driver, leading to a violent crash.
Chapman, 24, had been on paid administrative leave before Princeville Mayor Sam Heflin upheld his termination. Heflin stated Chapman should have ceased the chase, according to reports from WHNT and Fox 54.
The deadly pursuit began just before 8:30 p.m. on Interstate 65 as officers attempted to stop Archie Hale for moving violations. Hale failed to pull over, prompting the chase into neighboring Hartselle. Minutes later, Hale collided with a minivan carrying four teenage boys at the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 36, resulting in the tragic death of Tristian Hollis, 17, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In a poignant moment, Hollis’s obituary revealed he had just celebrated his 17th birthday and had received his first car. His family described him as a polite young man who will be greatly missed. The other injured teens include Gavin Prater, 14, Noah Prater, 16, and Braxton Wales, all of whom were hospitalized following the crash.
Hale has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder, attempting to elude, possession with intent, driving under the influence, and reckless endangerment. He remains in custody without bond, as reported by Hartselle police.
Garry Chapman, the youngest son of Duane Chapman, known for the reality show that followed the Chapman family in their bounty hunting endeavors, plans to appeal his firing. At a hearing scheduled for October 13, his attorney, Scott Morro, argued, “Garry Chapman is an excellent police officer who has made several cases for the City of Priceville.”
This incident marks another tragedy for the Chapman family, who faced a devastating loss earlier this summer when Duane Chapman’s step-grandson, Gregory Zecca, was involved in a fatal shooting accident with his own son, Anthony Zecca. The family is still grieving that loss, which has added to the emotional toll surrounding this latest incident.
As the community mourns Hollis’s death and grapples with the implications of this tragic event, all eyes will be on the upcoming appeal hearing for Garry Chapman, raising questions about accountability and law enforcement practices.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.