HARTSELLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The driver in a police chase that led to the death of a 17-year-old student and injured others was denied bond at an Aniah’s Law hearing Tuesday.
According to court documents, on Sept. 6, Priceville Police Officer Gary Chapman watched a vehicle on I-65 weaving within its lane, crossing the fog line without cause, with defective equipment and a seatbelt violation.
The document says the plate on the car was for a red truck, but the vehicle was gold, according to the warrant.
The officer said he tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver, identified as Archie Hale, fled and initiated a chase. The warrant for attempting to elude an officer says Hale drove at speeds “near 100 mph, ran stop signs and red lights, entered oncoming lanes and nearly struck several vehicles before colliding with a black SUV at Highway 31/36, causing multiple serious injuries and one death.”
Following the crash, the warrant says that Hale appeared to be impaired. Drug paraphernalia, prescription pills, and two grams of fentanyl-soaked cotton swabs were recovered from Hale’s vehicle.
The document says medical staff confirmed that Hale tested positive for fentanyl, amphetamines and marijuana.
The Morgan County District Attorney’s Office told News 19 that Hale was denied bond at his Aniah’s Law hearing.
Hale’s murder warrant states that an investigator found evidence that Hale’s actions constituted “reckless operation of a motor vehicle under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.”
In addition to the reckless murder charge, Hale faces multiple charges through the Priceville Police Department, including Attempting to Elude, Possession with Intent, DUI, Reckless Endangerment, and several moving violations.
The wreck Hale was in led to the death of Tristan Hollis and the injury of three others in the van. Hale and a woman passenger in his car were also injured. The Hartselle Police Department said investigators have gathered video from the surrounding area, along with police video, including chase video from Priceville Police.
Priceville Mayor Sam Heflin confirmed that Officer Chapman, son of Dog the Bounty Hunter, was placed on leave following the chase. Heflin reiterated that this is standard procedure for any officers involved in a major incident.
An internal investigation is being conducted by Priceville Police as well, and Chief Jerry Holmes said it will take some time to complete.
The DA’s office said Hale will remain in custody without bond and as the case is under investigation, more charges are “likely.”
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