Priceville, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The Priceville City Council voted unanimously to reinstate Officer Garry Chapman after his termination following a high-speed chase that led to a fatal crash. This decision followed extensive deliberation and community reactions highlighting concerns about police accountability and pursuit protocols. Chapman will resume his duties after a 10-day unpaid suspension and must undergo retraining. The council’s decision sparked mixed responses from residents concerned about public safety and police conduct.
Priceville – The Priceville City Council voted unanimously to reinstate officer Garry Chapman following a lengthy deliberation during a City Council meeting held on October 13. This decision comes after Chapman was previously terminated on September 19 due to his involvement in a high-speed chase that resulted in a deadly crash.
The incident occurred on September 6, when a vehicle being pursued by Chapman collided with a van at the intersection of Highway 31 and 36. This tragic event led to the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis and left five other individuals injured. The pursuit initiated in Priceville and extended into Hartselle, culminating in the fatal crash. The driver of the suspect vehicle, Archie Hale, was among those injured and is currently facing charges of reckless murder.
Following his reinstatement, Chapman will resume duty after serving a 10-day unpaid suspension and will be placed on work probation. As part of his reintegration into the police force, Chapman will be required to complete retraining under the supervision of a senior officer. His attorney emphasized that Chapman had adhered to departmental procedures throughout the chase and expressed significant distress regarding his earlier termination.
In light of the reinstatement, Chapman is now contemplating whether to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city, which previously sought $10 million in damages related to this incident. The decision to reinstate him was reached after over three hours of executive session deliberations, showcasing the contentious nature of the meetings that included public participation.
Community members attended these meetings, expressing mixed sentiments about the City Council’s decision to reinstate Chapman, calling for more explicit procedural explanations concerning police pursuits. Concerns about police accountability and the dangers associated with high-speed chases were prevalent.
Following the crash, Hale, the suspect driver, allegedly tested positive for multiple substances, including fentanyl and amphetamines, further complicating the situation surrounding the incident. In response to the injuries sustained by the teens involved in the crash, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, successfully raising nearly $16,000 to support their medical expenses.
Chapman joined the Priceville Police Department in January and is the son of Duane “Dog” Chapman, a well-known television personality. As the situation unfolds, the community remains torn, grappling with the implications of the event on law enforcement practices and the lives impacted by this tragic accident.
Key Details
- Date of Council Meeting: October 13
- Previous Termination Date: September 19
- Incident Date: September 6
- Victim: 17-year-old Tristan Hollis
- Injuries: Five others injured
- Suspect Driver: Archie Hale
- Charges against Hale: Reckless murder
- Chapman’s Suspension: 10 days unpaid
- GoFundMe total: Nearly $16,000
FAQ
When was Officer Garry Chapman reinstated?
Officer Garry Chapman was reinstated during a City Council meeting held on October 13.
Why was Officer Garry Chapman terminated?
Chapman was terminated following a high-speed chase on September 6 that resulted in a fatal crash, killing 17-year-old Tristan Hollis and injuring five others.
What will happen to Officer Chapman after his reinstatement?
Chapman will return to duty after serving a 10-day unpaid suspension, will be placed on work probation, and must complete retraining with a supervisor.
What are the community’s reactions to the City Council’s decision?
Community members expressed mixed feelings, with some supporting the reinstatement and others voicing concerns about police pursuit procedures and accountability.
What initiated the high-speed chase involving Officer Chapman?
The chase began in Priceville and extended into Hartselle, ultimately leading to the crash at the intersection of Highway 31 and 36.
Chart: Incident Overview
| Incident Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 6 |
| Chase Initiated In | Priceville |
| Chase Extended To | Hartselle |
| Victim | 17-year-old Tristan Hollis |
| Number Injured | Five others |
| Driver Charged | Archie Hale – Reckless murder |
| GoFundMe Total | Nearly $16,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Officer Fired After Fatal Police Chase in Priceville
Additional Resources
- WAAY 31 News
- Wikipedia: Priceville
- Decatur Daily
- Google Search: Garry Chapman Priceville
- Hartselle Enquirer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
