Patrolman Charles Snider, a 13-year veteran of the Charleston Police Department and a U.S. Air Force veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, was killed during an arrest attempt on the evening of March 2, 1979. He had approached a man suspected of shoplifting earrings and hair grease from a King Street store; the encounter occurred in a George Street parking lot behind the Gloria Theater.

A struggle followed and the suspect wrested Snider’s service revolver, then fired at point-blank range, striking him in the head and right leg. Snider died of his injuries and was survived by his wife and five children. A 27-hour manhunt led to the arrest of three people; one later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

Does anyone have additional details about the incident or the individuals involved?