St. Louis police officer killed, teen charged with murder
A St. Louis police officer Blake Snyder was shot and killed on Thursday morning in Green Park. He was 33 years old and had a wife and 2-year-old son.
A St. Louis police officer was shot and killed on Thursday morning in Green Park.
Officer Blake Snyder had been with the St. Louis County Police Department for four years. He was 33 years old and had a wife and 2-year-old son.
Snyder and another officer had responded to a disturbance call around 5 a.m. on Thursday, and when they arrived, the 18-year-old suspect, Trenton Forster, opened fire “almost immediately upon the officer’s arrival.”
Snyder was hit point blank, and according to Chief Jon Belmar, he almost immediately died.
The second officer fired back at Forster, who is now reported to be in critical but stable condition and has since been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. His bond has been set at $1 million.
This is the first time in nearly 16 years that an officer with the St. Louis County Police Department has died in the line of duty. No dash cams or body cameras were in use at the time of the shooting, according to Chief Belmar.
Jim Stern, the lead pastor of Destiny Church, said that Snyder was a naturally quiet person who loved and served his community. “He showed up every day and delivered what he said he was going to do,” Stern said. “He made an incredible difference in so many people’s lives, just by doing that.”
“His love for his family and friends was contagious and his commitment to the community he served was inspirational,” saidd Tammy Iskarous, founder of Riverbend Family Ministries. Snyder served on the board for the charity in Wood River.
More About:News
