A mother whose teenage son was killed in Hartselle by a driver fleeing police has filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Morgan County against the City of Priceville, a Priceville Police Department officer and the driver responsible for striking the vehicle her child was in.
According to the lawsuit, Rachel Moore, mother of Tristian Hollis, is suing multiple parties for alleged negligence and wantonness.
The fatal wreck at the center of the legal action occurred on the night of September 6, when Priceville Police Department Officer Garry Chapman attempted to pull Archie Hale over for moving violations and suspicion of DUI, when Hale fled, eventually striking the vehicle occupied by Hollis and six others. 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.
RELATED: Priceville City Council unanimously reverses firing of officer involved in fatal police pursuit
The lawsuit accuses the City of Priceville of “negligently, recklessly, and/or wantonly employing or hiring, supervising, monitoring, training, investigating, and/or retaining as an agent, servant, or employee, Defendant Garry Chapman.”
Chapman is accused of having “negligently operated a motor vehicle and violated his duty to Tristan Hollis to operate his vehicle safely on Alabama public highways.”
Chapman was fired from the department following the crash, but was eventually reinstated after the Priceville City Council unanimously reversed his termination. Chapman is now suing the City for $10 million, claiming he is facing emotional pain and suffering because of the incident. He is also alleging that the City engaged in disparagement.
Priceville Police chief Jerry Holmes has updated departmental pursuit guidelines following the fatal police chase. The policy change forbids officers from leaving the jurisdiction during a police chase over traffic violations.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
