St. Louis County Police Officer Blake Snyder was fatally shot Thursday, October 6 after responding to a disturbance 9-1-1 call in south Affton. Shortly after Snyder, 33, arrived on the 10700 block of Arno in Green Park around 5 a.m., according to police, 18-year-old male suspect Trenton Forster began shooting, striking Snyder. Snyder was wound was immediately fatal.
Snyder’s partner returned fire at Forster. Forster is now in critical condition. Forster allegedly banged on the door of a residence he wanted to enter, which prompted a 9-1-1 disturbance call from the residents.
The officer was and the suspect is a white man.
The shooting had “characteristics” of an ambush, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said during a press conference October 6.
“I certainly wouldn’t discount the fact that this was an ambush,” Belmar said.
“I have seen that [an ambush] in my career before. You walk up to a car and you’re beginning to engage somebody, there isn’t much that has happened yet, and in moments you’re shot. Within a few seconds – you’re shot.”
Foster, who was charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action, currently has a felony narcotics case pending, according to Belmar. Snyder was involved in Foster’s narcotic case, Belmar said. Forster’s bail is set to $1 million.
Based on a briefing before the press conference, Belmar said he believes Officer Snyder and his partner acted professionally in their conduct.
Belmar referred to Snyder as a “great guy.”
“I wouldn’t have to know much of Snyder to know that he’s tremendously dedicated, outstanding police officer, and if you asked him why he’s a police officer he would tell you without hesitation ‘because I want to help people,’” Belmar said.
This is the first line-of-duty death the St. Louis County Police Department has experienced in 16 years. The last officer who died on duty was Sergeant Richard Weinhold on October 31, 2000.
Snyder leaves behind a two-year-old son and a wife.
Backstoppers is assisting in supporting Officer Snyder’s family. The non-profit is now assisting 80 families of fallen first responders, with 66 dependent children, and have assisted a total of 159 families since 1959. Those who wish to contribute may donate to Backstoppers with the note “For P.O. Blake Snyder” via http://backstoppers.org/.
This story is published as part of a partnership between The St. Louis American and The Huffington Post.
