Hans-Peter Roelle, a 40-year-old Alaska State Trooper, was killed on November 24, 2001, in Wasilla after responding to a domestic-violence call that escalated into a pursuit and an ambush. The incident began when the suspect pushed his girlfriend from a moving vehicle; troopers and medics arrived and the suspect fled at speeds over 100 mph, prompting troopers to break off the chase. Roelle and another trooper later approached the suspect’s residence. As Roelle took cover behind a front-yard fence, the suspect fired three shots, one striking Roelle in the head and killing him at the scene.

Inside the home the suspect then murdered his two children and committed suicide, leaving no suspect to arrest. Roelle’s death was ruled a gunshot fatality from a handgun. He had served about 17–18 years with the Alaska State Troopers and left a wife and four children. The State of Alaska later dedicated the Glenn Highway weigh station in his name and a Troopers K9 was named Roelle in his honor.

Does anyone have memories of Roelle’s service or details about that day that could add to the record?