A fatal police chase involving Priceville officer Garry Chapman — the son of reality TV star “Dog the Bounty Hunter” — is now at the center of both a federal lawsuit and a new push in the Alabama Legislature to tighten rules for high-speed pursuits.
On the night of September 6, 2025, Chapman attempted to stop Archie Brandon Hale, 40, for suspected DUI and traffic violations in Priceville. Hale fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase that continued into Hartselle.
The pursuit ended at the intersection of Highway 36 and U.S. 31, where Hale’s vehicle struck another car carrying four teenagers. Seventeen-year-old Tristan Hollis was killed, and five others were hospitalized.
Chapman was placed on administrative leave following the crash, and was terminated later in September following a disciplinary hearing.
Less than a month later, the Priceville City Council unanimously voted to overturn the termination, reinstating Chapman with a 10-day suspension without pay.
This month, Chapman filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Priceville and several city officials, alleging wrongful termination, retaliation and violations of his constitutional rights. Though Chapman’s attorney has confirmed he remains employed by the Priceville Police Department and continues to serve in patrol and investigative roles.
As the lawsuit proceeds, the incident has also reached the State House, with State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) introducing SB120, known as the Tristan Hollis Memorial Act.
The bill would ensure pursuits would be limited to cases in which officers have probable cause to believe a suspect committed a violent felony, poses an immediate threat of serious bodily injury or a substantial threat to public safety.
The measure would likely restrict pursuits for many nonviolent offenses, including traffic violations, suspected DUI and most property crimes.
Orr said the legislation is intended to establish what he described as “guardrails or some guidelines” for high-speed pursuits, questioning whether chases at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour are warranted for minor offenses such as running a stop sign.
“Is it warranted to put the public in jeopardy?” Orr said during a recent radio interview with WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.”
Orr said officers are “responsible to the public at large” and that pursuits should generally be reserved for fleeing felons or situations in which the risk to the public justifies the chase. He acknowledged some law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about the proposal but said discussions with officers are ongoing.
Chapman’s attorney, Scott Morro, criticized the proposal, calling it “inappropriate and pandering.” The proposal has prompted broader discussion among lawmakers, law enforcement agencies and public safety advocates about how to balance officer discretion with the risks high-speed pursuits pose to the public.
The federal lawsuit is pending in U.S. District Court, where judges will examine whether Chapman’s discipline and termination followed proper procedures or violated constitutional protections.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
