Patrolman Charles Alvin Snider
Charleston Police Department
South Carolina
End of Watch: Friday, March 2, 1979

Biographical Info
Age: 53
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, March 2, 1979
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Arrested

Patrolman Snider was killed with his own service revolver while attempting to arrest a shoplifting suspect in a George Street parking lot behind the Gloria Theater.

The manager of Kress and Co. at 281 King Street said a man walked out of the store with stolen earrings and hair grease, valued at less than $15, just after 5:00 pm. The manager attempted to apprehend the man in the parking lot. The suspect pulled off his red turtleneck sweater and challenged the manager.

A bystander notified Patrolman Snider, who regularly worked the King Street beat. Patrolman Snider then attempted to arrest the man. The suspect wrestled Patrolman Snider’s gun away and shot him at point blank range in the head and in the right leg at about 5:20 pm.

The suspect kept the pistol and ran from the parking lot with his two companions. Three suspects were arrested after a 27-hour manhunt by police.

Patrolman Snider was survived by his wife and three children.