Garry Chapman Axed by Priceville Police Following Pursuit that Killed a Teenager and Sent Six to the Hospital; Officer Appeals Decision
The son of reality TV star Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman, Officer Garry Chapman, has been fired from the Priceville Police Department after being involved in a deadly high-speed pursuit on September 6. The incident resulted in a multi-vehicle crash that killed a 17-year-old high school student and injured six other people.
Priceville Police Chief Jerry Holmes confirmed Chapman’s “termination” to WHNT, just weeks after the fatal incident in Hartselle, Alabama. Chapman had initially been placed on administrative leave by Priceville Mayor Sam Heflin.
The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Highway 36 and U.S. 31, was the culmination of a high-speed chase. Priceville police stated that the pursuit began when Officer Chapman attempted to stop a suspect for moving violations and suspected driving under the influence. The crash claimed the life of Hartselle High student, Tristan Hollis. Reports indicate Hollis was not driving the vehicle being chased.
Officer Appeals Firing, Attorney Defends Record
Chapman’s attorney, Scott Morro, stated that the officer is appealing his firing and will present his defense at a special hearing before the city council on October 13.
Morro has vigorously defended his client, calling Chapman an “excellent police officer” and stating that he is the department’s “top police officer even though he has only been there a short period of time.” The attorney claimed that “The facts and the law are on Garry Chapman’s side,” and alleged the suspect being pursued was impaired by fentanyl.
“He loves being a police officer and should be given commendations for his work instead of being made a scapegoat,” Morro added.
Previously Honored for Law Enforcement
Garry Chapman, the youngest son of Dog and his late wife Beth Chapman, previously served three-and-a-half years as a corrections officer before becoming a cop with the Priceville Police Department.
In a personal Q&A posted by the department in April, Chapman credited his famous father with inspiring his career, saying Dog’s motto was to “Leave people better than you found them.” The officer also shared that he was awarded the Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice award during his training.
Priceville Mayor Sam Heflin issued a statement on Facebook, noting that the city does not comment on pending personnel matters but affirmed the police department’s commitment to “enforcing the law aggressively and fairly, but in a manner that is consistent with applicable law and the Department’s Policies and Procedures.”
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