Officer Fired After Fatal Police Chase in Priceville

Priceville, AL, October 1, 2025

News Summary

Garry Chapman, a Priceville police officer, has been dismissed after a police pursuit led to a tragic crash that killed a teenager and injured others. The police chief confirmed his termination as the incident raises critical concerns about pursuit policies and public safety. The suspect, Archie Hale, faces multiple charges, including murder. An appeal for Chapman’s termination is scheduled for a hearing in October, as discussions about police practices and community support for victims continue to grow.

Priceville, AL – Garry Chapman, a police officer with the Priceville Police Department, has been fired following his involvement in a police chase that resulted in a fatal crash. The decision was confirmed by the police chief, who stated that Chapman is no longer employed by the department as of October 2025. This incident raises significant concerns regarding police pursuit policies and their impact on public safety.

The deadly chase occurred on September 6, 2025, beginning on Interstate 65 near the 329-mile marker. The pursuit was initiated after officers suspected the driver, Archie Hale, of driving under the influence. The chase rapidly moved off the interstate and continued onto Main Street in Hartselle. It concluded violently at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 31 when Hale crashed into a vehicle carrying several teenagers.

The tragic crash resulted in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis and caused injuries to several other teenagers who were in the vehicle. Following the incident, Hale has faced multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the crash that took Hollis’s life.

Officer Chapman was placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident. However, a review of the circumstances led to his termination. Chapman’s attorney, Scott Morro, has indicated that the decision to fire Chapman has been appealed, with a hearing scheduled for October 14, 2025, to further examine the matter. Morro contends that Chapman acted in compliance with department policy and followed applicable state laws during the pursuit.

The mayor of Priceville has affirmed the decision to terminate Chapman, insisting that he should have discontinued the chase before it escalated to the fatal accident. Meanwhile, Morro has argued that prevailing U.S. Supreme Court rulings allow officers to pursue suspects while continuously assessing the potential dangers involved in such chases.

Garry Chapman is the son of Duane Chapman, who is widely recognized as Dog the Bounty Hunter. Duane has expressed his intent to attend the hearing to support his son during this challenging time. In light of the injuries sustained by the teenagers involved in the crash, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with their medical expenses, raising nearly $16,000 to date.

Context of Police Pursuits

This incident sparks a broader discussion about police pursuit policies across the nation. Police departments must balance the need for public safety with the risks posed by high-speed chases. The debate is particularly relevant when pursuits involve dangerous violations, such as suspected DUI cases. The intricate legalities surrounding pursuit protocols often lead to intense scrutiny and can result in contentious disciplinary actions when incidents result in public harm.

Future Implications

The outcome of the appeal hearing not only affects Garry Chapman’s career but also may impact future police pursuit policies within the Priceville Police Department and beyond. Enhanced public scrutiny and dialogue about police practices could lead to changes in how law enforcement handles pursuits to prevent similar tragedies.

Emergency Fund for Victims

The community has come together to support the victims of the crash. The establishment of the GoFundMe page illustrates the financial burden faced by the families of the injured teenagers, further emphasizing the human impact of such incidents.

Key Events Timeline

• September 6, 2025: Police chase initiated on I-65.
• Chase moves to Main Street in Hartselle.
• Crash at intersection of Main Street and Highway 31.
• Tristan Hollis, age 17, killed; multiple teenagers injured.
• Chapman placed on administrative leave.
• Chapman fired; appeal process initiated.
• GoFundMe page created for injured teenagers, raising $16,000.

FAQ Section

Chart of Key Features of the Incident

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Multi-Vehicle Crash During Police Chase in Hartselle
Huntsville Man Arrested After Police Chase
Priceville Police Achieve Significant Drug Arrests

Additional Resources

• WHNT News
• Wikipedia: Police Pursuit
• WAFF News
• Google Search: Police Pursuit Policies
• Rocket City Now
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
• WAFF News
• Google News: Priceville Police Chase Incident

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.