Sydney Carter Snow Jr. was a 29-year-old Milwaukee Police Department officer killed in the line of duty on January 30, 1982. Appointed in October 1975, Snow had served about six years. That night he and Officer James L. Zastrow were working plainclothes on the tavern car assignment, checking licenses and serving a civil warrant at Sonny’s Pool Hall, 1658 W. Hopkins Street.

When they attempted to arrest the pool hall’s operator, Melvin Smith resisted and produced a .25-caliber semiautomatic handgun. A close-quarters struggle followed; Snow was struck by gunfire and later died. Investigators could not determine whether his fatal wound was from Smith’s initial shot or occurred during the ensuing fight, but Snow managed to return fire before succumbing. Officers’ shots struck and killed Smith during the confrontation. Snow left behind his wife and his parents and was awarded a posthumous Class A Citation; Zastrow received a Class C Citation.

If anyone knew Officer Snow, witnessed the incident, or has information about that night at Sonny’s Pool Hall, please share what is known.