Feb 21st, 2018
On Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at approximately 9:50 p.m., police responded to the area of Ridge Road West in reference to a female body found, identified as 58-year-old Fonda Poellnitz. Through continued investigation, detectives followed up on the whereabouts of Poellnitz’s ex-husband, 71-year-old Robert Hollie.
Police responded to Hollie’s residence located at 2052 Avondale Court. They observed a vehicle that belonged to Hollie in the driveway. At some point, while waiting for additional officers to set up perimeter, Hollie fired multiple shots with one round striking Officer Justin Billa. Officer Billa was immediately removed from the scene and transported to the hospital where he later died.
Officers attempted to make contact with Hollie by telephone and with use of the PA system. SWAT members deployed tactics that ultimately granted them access to the residence. Hollie was found deceased inside the residence from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
MOBILE POLICE DEPARTMENT