Anchorage Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch: Monday, July 9, 2001
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 25940
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: July 9, 2001
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Killed in accident
Officer Justin Wollam was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle being driven by a drunk driver on
The vehicle had been spotted earlier by an officer who attempted to stop it because it was being driven erratically. The suspect driver sped off and was pursued by the officer. After the vehicle stopped, several juveniles fled from it with officers in pursuit. Other juveniles who remained in the vehicle started to drive away again and were followed by other officers from a distance. At approximately 4:00 am, the vehicle was driving north but crossed into the southbound lanes on Glenn Highway, where it struck Officer Wollam's patrol car. Along with Officer Wollam, the driver of the vehicle and two occupants were also killed in the accident.
Officer Wollam was a United States Air Force veteran who had served with the Anchorage Police Department for two years and had served in law enforcement for a total of five years. He is survived by his wife, 4-year-old daughter, parents, and a brother.