By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Hundreds of people stood in conditions akin to early March rather than May at AA American Bail Bonds in Galion on Saturday to meet the son of a dog.
Reality television star and bounty hunter Leland Chapman isn’t the son of any dog – he is the son of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Duane Chapman. The younger Chapman was in Galion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday to meet with fans. Chapman explains what he enjoys most out of events like these.
“When I read the comments on Facebook, what people say, ‘Hey we are coming here’ and making somebody’s day,” Chapman said. “I like to come to these small towns because in the big cities they got so many activities going on, but when you come to the smaller towns it is kind of like a fair coming into town. It’s pretty cool, and put a smile on somebody’s face, like I said people driving from hours away just to come over and see me. I don’t know any one I would do that for personally, but I am blessed and I am honored that I touched someone in that sort of way.”
Chapman, who starred with his family in the Dog the Bounty Hunter series from 2004-2011, explains what he is currently doing.
“I am just trying to carry it on. My dad is older, he’s reaching 63,64, and you know it’s got to continue, so I moved to Alabama to where I have been on television working under my dad all them years, but I wanted to actually prove to myself to see if I could do it, So I did, and the only way you know if you are good is to take yourself out of your element.”
“The most rewarding capture was just recently, it was a $180,000 bond. He was a validated Rolling 40’s Crip and I think he had 13 points. He was on the run, they’ve already got two extensions and nobody could catch him. He was the Hamilton County (Tenn.) sheriff’s top most wanted for 10 months. That had to be the most rewarding for me on my own, because if I didn’t catch him nobody would.”
AA American Bail Bonds owner Gina Powell was pleased with the turnout.
“He is a celebrity and Galion doesn’t get them much around here,” Powell said. “I was nervous though with how the weather is, but everything has worked out.”
Chapman gave advice to people who may be hiding from Powell after skipping out on a bond.
“I would tell them to turn themselves in, because I am going to be over more often, so we have already discussed that if she needs any high profile guys that need captured, plus she not only knows me, but she knows my father and Beth. So you know if she ever needs her help we will be there.”
The line for the event trickled down the alleyway in the back of AA Bail Bonds and wrapped around to the sidewalk of Harding Way East. People attending the meet and greet were able to get a picture and autograph with Chapman.
Ashley Banks and Carmela Clark had come from Bucyrus and were in line to meet Chapman at 6 a.m.
“We came over to meet him because we are really big fans,” Banks said.
