AST Identifies Trooper Involved in Fatal Glenn Highway Shooting

WASILLA, Alaska — On Monday morning, Alaska State Troopers have identified the trooper involved in the fatal August 3rd Glenn Highway shooting that caused traffic delays for morning commuters.

AST said state trooper Sergeant Paul Anthony “Tony” Wegrzyn shot and killed 29-year-old Justin Lloyd Abrahamson, of Anchorage, after a vehicle pursuit in Wasilla Friday morning that ended near the Thunderbird Falls Exit on the Glenn Highway.

Troopers say Sgt. Wegrzyn is a 9-year-veteran with the troopers and is assigned to “B” detachment Palmer Post.

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation are asking anyone who witnessed the pursuit or shooting to call ABI at 907-269-5450.

Here's the trooper dispatch posted Monday morning:

Location: Glenn Highway
Case Number: AK 12225200
Type: Reckless Driving / Fail to Stop / Assault / Trooper involved shooting

Update: The Alaska State Troopers have identified the Trooper involved in
the fatal shooting on 8/3/12, as State Trooper Sergeant Paul Anthony (Tony)
Wegrzyn,is a 9 year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers and is assigned to
"B" Detachment Palmer Post.

Text:  On 8/3/12 at approximately 0401 hours, Alaska State Troopers attempted
to stop a 1994 Saturn Coupe at Lucille Street and the Parks Highway. 
The vehicle was observed failing to signal as it made a right-hand turn onto
the Parks Highway from Tommy Moe Drive. The vehicle failed to stop and a
pursuit ensued heading southbound on the Parks Highway. Prior to passing the
Trunk Road turnoff, spike strips were deployed and managed to deflate a tire.
However, the vehicle continued driving southbound onto the Glenn Highway.
As the vehicle neared milepost 25, the vehicle caught on fire and stopped
in the southbound lane. The driver and sole occupant, Justin Lloyd Abrahamson,
age 29 of Anchorage,exited the vehicle and started running onto the northbound
lanes. Attempts to subdue the individual, including use of a Taser, were
unsuccessful. At approximately 0420 hours, Abrahamson stopped and advanced on
three troopers with a raised bat, a trooper fired his duty striking Abrahamson.
Abrahamson was declared deceased on scene an autopsy performed by the State
Medical Examiner's Office on Friday afternoon confirmed the cause of death
was gunshot wounds.

Alaska State Troopers were assisted by officers from the Anchorage and Wasilla
police departments to include a WPD canine. No officers or troopers were
injured in the incident. The southbound and northbound lanes of the Glenn
Highway were restricted to travel for several hours so that evidence at the
scene and measurements could be properly documented. APD took responsibility
for traffic control and began a pilot car system in order to escort motorists
through the area as soon as it was practical.
 
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI) responded and assumed case
responsibility. Anyone witnessing either the pursuit or incident that has not
been already contacted by law enforcement is asked to call ABI at (907)269-5450. 
A thorough investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation will be routed to
the Department of Law's Office of Special Prosecutions and Appeals for
determination of the legal use of deadly force.

Author: SCK2
Received Monday, August 06, 2012 8:06 AM and posted Monday, August 06, 2012 8:20 AM