Charles Alvin Snider Charleston Police Department Friday, March 02, 1979

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 & 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. Charles Alvin Snider's photograph is currently unavailable. If you can provide a photograph, please send a scanned image by [ EMAIL ] to the webmaster or mail a copy of the photograph to the state lodge's address. Charles Alvin Snider's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be located on panel 34, E -6. A plaque bearing Charles Alvin Snider's name is displayed at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame in Columbia. Views: 1,540

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