Richmond Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Friday, February 5, 1937
Add to My HeroesWilliam Stephen Snead
Patrolman William Snead was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was breaking into a jewelry store at 120 East Broad Street.
He had just completed his shift and was walking along the street when he encountered a man who had just broken the front window of the store with a hammer. As Patrolman Snead attempted to arrest him, the man fatally struck him on the head with the hammer, fracturing his skull.
The subject then took Patrolman Snead's service weapon and shot him in the jaw before fleeing. A citizen who witnessed the incident followed the man and alerted other officers. The man was shot and killed while resisting arrest.
Patrolman Snead had served with the Richmond Police Department for 17 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 17 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Weapon Blunt object; Hammer
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsOfficer Snead is my great-great-uncle. I remember my grandmother talking about his death a long time ago. She was 17 when he was killed in the line of duty. This Saturday, some of my cousins and I are meeting for lunch then going to the cemetery to see his gravesite. I love the beautiful statue for the officers who died in the line of duty in Richmond. Officer Snead's name is listed on the plaque.
You are not forgotten.
Janelle Moorefield
November 11, 2021
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