Delaware State Police have confirmed the identity of the trooper fatally shot at a DMV facility in Minquadale. Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, was a dedicated member of the force with a decade of service. He is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the DMV located on Hessler Boulevard in New Castle County. According to police reports, a 44-year-old suspect entered the DMV as a customer and approached Corporal Snook while he was at the reception desk.
As Snook worked an overtime shift, the suspect shot him. In a courageous act, Snook pushed a DMV employee out of harm’s way as he was shot again. A responding officer from New Castle County then confronted the suspect and fatally shot him.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described a scene of chaos during the shooting. Vasty Albino Velez, who was present with her family, recounted her experience, stating, “We all got to the floor and crawled to the side of the building.” She recalled the panic as people rushed to escape, with some being trampled in the process.
Tributes to Corporal Snook
Colonel William Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police, expressed deep sorrow at Snook’s loss, saying, “We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband, and a father.” He emphasized that Snook’s final actions were heroic, saving lives at the cost of his own.
Governor Matt Meyer also paid tribute, stating, “He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans, and our hearts break for his family.” Troopers honored Snook during a procession as his body was transported from Christiana Hospital to the medical examiner’s office in Wilmington.
Community Response and Injuries
In addition to the tragedy of Corporal Snook’s death, there were several minor injuries reported during the chaos. A 40-year-old woman was hospitalized for non-gunshot-related injuries. A 35-year-old woman experienced shortness of breath and declined hospital transport, while a second trooper received evaluation for a minor injury.
Legacy of Corporal Snook
- Age: 34
- Service: 10 years with Delaware State Police
- Education: Graduate of Saint Mark’s High School and the University of Maryland
- Survived by: Wife and one-year-old daughter
Corporal Matthew T. Snook will be remembered for his dedication and bravery in the line of duty. The community mourns the loss of a true hero.
