Driver charged with murder in Hartselle fatal car chase/crash

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September 11, 2025

HARTSELLE — The driver of a car involved in a police chase and fatal crash Saturday night has been jailed on a murder charge after his release from the hospital today.

Archie Hale (Hartselle Police Department Facebook)

Hartselle police said Archie Hale was released from medical care, arrested, and booked into the Morgan County Jail. He is being held with no bond on the murder of a Hartselle teen.

The teen, Tristan Hollis, died when the minivan he was driving was struck by Hale’s vehicle, which ran a redlight while being pursued by police. The wreck also injured three people in the minivan, Hale and a passenger in his car.

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.

The arrest came shortly after Hollis’s funeral today.

Hartelle Police Chief Alan McDearmond said it was “such a tragic loss for one of our Hartselle families.”

“We are heartbroken for the family as a city,” McDearmond posted on the department’s Facebook page. “On behalf of the officers of the Hartselle Police Department, I extend our condolences to the family for this tragedy.”

Hartselle police said the chase began around 8:30 p.m. Saturday when Priceville Police attempted to stop Hale on I-65 for a moving violation and suspicion of DUI.

Hale turned off the interstate at the Alabama Highway 36 exit and headed into Hartselle. Moments later, his car collided with the minivan at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Highway 36.

Priceville Police Officer Garry Chapman, who was on the chase, was placed on leave – a standard procedure for officers involved in a major incident.

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