The Priceville Police Department officer who was fired for his role in a fatal crash and then reinstated after a city council vote is suing the City of Priceville for $10 million.
In September, officer Garry Chapman, the son of Duane Chapman, known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, attempted to pull a driver over for moving violations and suspicion of DUI when the suspect fled, eventually striking a vehicle in Hartselle, killing one teenager and injuring six others. Speeds during the chase reportedly reached 100 miles per hour.
Chapman's attorney, Scott Morro, explained why the officer is suing the City.
"They terminated him when they shouldn't have, and now they're disparaging him and they're causing him emotional pain and suffering, they're ruining his reputation," said Morro.
"They wanted him to chase people," he added. "They encouraged him to chase people."
"Chapman has no liability," Morro stated.
Attorney Will League, who represents the families of three teenagers injured in the incident, spoke about Monday's city council meeting, where Chapman's firing was reversed.
"Dog the Bounty Hunter was there supporting his child just like any parent would do, and that's admirable," League said. "Stephen Prater is supporting his child from a hospital bed down in Birmingham."
League referenced Chapman's history of police chases prior to the fatal wreck, asking what measures were previously taken to address the issue.
"What oversight and training prior to this incident and after those 11 previous chases was given to this officer? Was he rewarded for these chases?" League inquired.
Following the fatal wreck, Chapman and other officers involved in the pursuit were immediately placed on administrative leave per department policy. Chapman was fired shortly thereafter.
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