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Incident
Patrolman Bill Roberson was killed in an automobile crash during a pursuit. Patrolman Roberson was assisting a neighboring agency in the pursuit of a vehicle that fled a traffic stop. As the chase approached Graham, Patrolman Roberson attempted to intercept the fleeing vehicle on East Hanover Road. The driver, traveling over 100 mph, navigated the curve in the wrong lane. He crashed into Patrolman Roberson in a head-on collision, pushing his patrol car 25 feet backward. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. Patrolman Roberson was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and served with the Graham Police Department for over four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. William is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Roberson gave the Graham Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Graham community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William Alton Roberson Jr. served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Graham Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 4 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1978, 78 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1978, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 31. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. William had served 4.5 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
William was 31. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 4.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 4.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.8% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Wednesdays: 15.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Graham Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 15.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Graham Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Military Service
William Alton Roberson Jr. served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit William Alton Roberson Jr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Graham Police Department are honored on badge.nw.