Two additional lawsuits have been filed against the City of Priceville as the municipality continues to grapple with multiple legal actions submitted in the wake of a deadly police pursuit in September 2025.
While one of the new lawsuits filed is tied to the chase, the other relates to the city's assistant police chief, Jason Wilbanks, who argues he was denied the position of Priceville's next chief due to his approaching retirement. A veteran member of law enforcement with more than 20 years of experience with the department, Wilbanks had allegedly pledged to complete a full term if selected for the role. The assistant chief has since filed an equal employment claim.
On Wednesday, attorney Will League, who represents a group of teens injured in the 2025 pursuit, added to the pressure on Priceville by changing their lawsuit to include the City along with the officer who initiated the chase, Gary Chapman.
"We do not feel that a high-speed chase over a hundred miles an hour through downtown Hartselle is reasonable and safe and protects the community," League said. "These families don’t want any families to go through what they’ve gone through."
Chapman was attempting to pull Archie Hale over in September 2025 for moving violations and suspicion of DUI when Hale fled, eventually striking a vehicle in Hartselle, killing one teenager and injuring six others. Hale was hospitalized, arrested and booked into Morgan County Jail. He has since been charged with reckless murder and is being held without bond.
Chapman, who was placed on administrative leave immediately after the crash, shortly filed an appeal and hired an attorney to contest his termination.
SEE ALSO: Priceville City Council unanimously reverses firing of officer involved in fatal police pursuit
The Priceville City Council later voted unanimously to reverse his firing.
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