A Priceville Police officer has been fired after engaging in a fatal police pursuit in Hartselle last month, resulting in the death of a local teenager and injuring six others.
Gary Chapman, son of Duane Chapman, known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, was attempting to pull an individual over for moving violations and suspicion of DUI when the suspect fled, eventually striking the vehicle occupied by the victims. According to authorities, the incident began on Alabama Highway 36 around 8:30 p.m. and ended with the wreck at the intersection of Highway 31 and 36.
Chapman, who was placed on administrative leave immediately after the crash, has now filed an appeal and hired an attorney to contest his termination.
Chapman's lawyer, Scott Morro, issued a statement to FOX 54 defending his client's actions in the chase.
“The Supreme Court allows pursuit as long as you’re assessing danger throughout the pursuit. And it’s unfortunate that it turned out the way it did. But Garry followed the law, and he followed the policy," said Morro. "We hope that the City Council, after the hearing, will see it our way and recognize that Chapman is an asset to their city and not a detriment. And so hopefully he’ll be reinstated."
“Garry Chapman is an excellent police officer who has made several cases for the City of Priceville, and he is their top police officer even though he has only been there a short period of time,” he added.
A Priceville City Council hearing is scheduled for October 14 to consider Chapman's appeal.
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