Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Tuesday, February 12, 1980
Add to My HeroesArthur P. Snyder
Officer Arthur Snyder was shot and killed after he and his partner observed a drug transaction at 14th Street and U Street, NW.
As the officers approached the suspect from different sides the man opened fire, striking Officer Snyder. One of the rounds was stopped by his vest and the second hit his belt. The suspect then fired a third shot, striking him in the head after he had fallen to the ground.
The suspect fled the scene but was located several days later as he was attempting to flea the city. He had called a cab service to pick him up but the driver recognized him and alerted police. Officers swarmed the cab at which point the suspect opened fire on officers. The officers' returned fire and the suspect was killed.
Officer Snyder had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and sister.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 265
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Monday, February 11, 1980
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsI worked with Art and he was detailed to our Vice Unit at the time. I last spoke with him earlier in the day at the Courthouse. Art was a good cop and well liked. What a tragedy.
John w. Hill III, Det., Ret.
MPDC
January 27, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Timothy Jones
Park Forest Police Department, IL
EOW: December 3, 2025
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
United States Department of Defense - Army National Guard - West Virginia Army National Guard, WV
EOW: November 27, 2025
Reserve Deputy Sheriff John C. Stahl, III
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: June 8, 2025
Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow
Indian River County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2025
Police Officer Alec Sanders
Alhambra Police Department, CA
EOW: November 20, 2025
Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall
Virginia Department of Corrections, VA
EOW: November 17, 2025
Police Officer Marc Brock
Vivian Police Department, LA
EOW: November 14, 2025
Corporal Blake Adair Reynolds
Delaware County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: November 12, 2025
Police Officer Roger Smith
WakeMed Campus Police & Public Safety Department, NC
EOW: November 8, 2025

