The police officer son of Dog the Bounty Hunter has been fired over his actions in a high-speed chase that killed a teenager in Alabama.
Garry Chapman, son of the TV bounty hunter whose legal name is Duane Chapman, had been working as a police officer in Priceville, Ala. He plans to appeal his firing.
“Garry followed the law, and he followed the policy,” Chapman’s attorney, Scott Morro, told local Fox affiliate WZDX. “We hope that after the hearing, City Council will see it our way and recognize that Chapman is an asset to their city and not a detriment. And hopefully he’ll be reinstated.”
On Sept. 6, Chapman initiated a chase of Archie Hale on Interstate 65 near Priceville on suspicion of drunk-driving, authorities said. Hale took off instead of pulling over, got off the interstate and sped into the small town of Hartselle.
When Hale reached the town’s major intersection of Alabama Route 36 and U.S. Route 31, he collided with a minivan carrying several teenagers. Tristan Hollis, 17, was killed in the wreck. Five others, including Hale, Hale’s passenger and three other boys in the minivan, were rushed to the hospital.
Leaders in Priceville argued Chapman should’ve called off the chase and approved his firing after he was initially placed on leave. Chapman will contest the termination at a city council hearing in two weeks.
Hale, meanwhile, has been charged with murder and possession with intent to distribute for drugs found in his car, along with a slew of traffic violations.
