Home / Crime and Justice / Judge Denies Priceville's Bid to Dismiss Fatal Pursuit Lawsuit
Judge Denies Priceville's Bid to Dismiss Fatal Pursuit Lawsuit
18 Jul
Summary
- Lawsuit over fatal police pursuit continues against Priceville.
- Judge denied city's dismissal request on July 8.
- Pursuit reached 100 mph, resulting in passenger's death.
A Morgan County circuit judge has denied the city of Priceville's motion to dismiss a lawsuit related to a fatal police pursuit. The legal action stems from an incident on September 6, 2025, when a pursuit involving Priceville police officer Garry Chapman allegedly reached speeds of 100 mph.
The lawsuit contends that the pursuit led to Archie Brandon Hale running a red light and causing a collision. This crash tragically resulted in the death of passenger Tristan Hollis and left three other individuals injured. Hale is currently facing murder charges and remains in Morgan County Jail.
Priceville had argued that Alabama law does not permit claims against municipalities for issues like wrongful hiring or supervision and that the officer acted outside his official capacity. The city also asserted state-agent immunity. However, on July 8, Judge Stephen Brown ruled that these arguments are more appropriately considered after sufficient discovery has been completed, allowing the case against the city to proceed.
