**Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Son Reinstated to Alabama Police Force After $10 Million Wrongful Termination Suit**
Priceville Police Officer Garry Chapman, son of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” stars Alice and Duane Chapman, has been voted back onto the Alabama police force he was previously fired from. The reversal came in a unanimous decision by the Priceville City Council on Monday, just hours after his lawyer filed a $10 million wrongful termination lawsuit related to a high-speed chase that ended tragically.
Chapman, 24, was placed on leave and subsequently terminated following a September 6 police pursuit that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis. The chase began when Chapman attempted to pull over accused driver Archie Hale, suspected of moving violations and driving under the influence. Hale failed to stop and led officers on an inter-city pursuit along I-65 into neighboring Hartselle at speeds reaching 100 mph.
The high-speed chase ended when Hale’s vehicle crashed into a minivan carrying four teenagers, including Hollis, who later died from his injuries at a nearby hospital. Three passengers in the minivan, along with Hale and his passenger, sustained injuries. Hale was released from the hospital and booked on multiple charges, such as reckless murder, drug possession, and various traffic violations. He is currently held without bond at Morgan County Jail.
Priceville’s Police Chief Jerry Holmes fired Chapman for violating department chase policies, citing that the officer should have reassessed the situation when the chase exceeded triple-digit speeds and entered an unfamiliar neighboring city. Mayor Sam Heflin, who supported the firing decision, recused himself from Monday’s council vote.
The City Council’s decision to reinstate Chapman followed a two-and-a-half-hour closed-door session in which Duane Chapman testified in support of his son. The elder Chapman expressed gratitude to the council for giving Garry a second chance and pledged his support to them in the future.
“Garry is my youngest son of 13 children, and he always wanted to be a police officer,” said Duane Chapman during the hearing, according to AL.com. “We understand what tragedy is also. But I would like to also commend this committee for giving my son a second chance. I’m known as a second chance guy and I appreciate every time. If any of you want me to, you know, stick up for you the next session, you want to be voted in, I will be here for you.”
Chapman originally joined the Priceville Police Department in January 2023. He has experience working with six different law enforcement agencies across northern Alabama within three years. During his tenure at Priceville, he received two written reprimands—one for administrative errors and another related to a confrontation with another officer. The second reprimand also highlighted Chapman’s history of speeding.
The reinstatement marks a significant development in the case as Chapman prepares to pursue his wrongful termination claim amid ongoing discussions about law enforcement policies and accountability in high-speed pursuits.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/16/us-news/dog-the-bounty-hunter-son-garry-chapman-reinstated-as-alabama-police-officer-after-deadly-high-speed-chase/