Family files suit against man charged in deadly Alabama crash after police chase

MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The family of a teenager injured in the deadly wreck that ended a high-speed police chase in Alabama has filed a lawsuit against the driver, Archie Hale.

Court records show the family of Braxton Wales, one of the teens injured in the wreck, has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and wanton behavior leading to the crash.

The family’s lawsuit said that Hale acted negligently and recklessly by speeding through the red light. The lawsuit also said that Hale was under the influence of a controlled substance and could not safely operate a vehicle.

The family is asking for compensation from Hale for medical expenses, along with other damages.

“The family’s main goal is for this not to happen to anyone else,” said Will League, the family’s lawyer.

League said that other defendants may be named in the lawsuit as well.

“As the evidence is unfolded, as we get more information, will determine whether or not we’ll amend our complaint to add any other defendants,” League said.

The Hartselle Police Department said that the chase began around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, when Priceville Police attempted to stop Hale for a moving violation/suspicion of DUI.

That chase entered Hartselle city limits from I-65 and went west on Highway 36. It ended when investigators say Hale’s vehicle hit a minivan with the four teenagers inside at an intersection.

17-year-old Tristan Hollis was killed in the wreck. Three other teens, including Wales, were injured. Hale and a woman passenger in his car were also injured.

On Sept. 11, Hale was released from medical care, arrested and booked into the Morgan County Jail. He is being held with no bond and is charged with the murder of a juvenile citizen.

In addition, Hale faces multiple charges through the Priceville Police Department, including Attempting to Elude, Possession with Intent, DUI, Reckless Endangerment, and several moving violations, with total bonds set at $296,000.00.

HPD said investigators have gathered video from the surrounding area, along with police video, including chase video from Priceville Police.

Hartselle Police Chief Alan McDearmond said after a review of this video, Hale’s vehicle can be seen entering the intersection driving around 90 mph, and that the traffic light was red for his vehicle at the time of the crash.

Earlier this week, Officer Garry Chapman, son of Dog the Bounty Hunter, was fired following the chase, according to his attorney.