In the winter of 1980, Arthur P. Snyder, a 29-year-old White male police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., was working as part of a special detail to combat drug trafficking. On the evening of February 11th, he and his partner were conducting surveillance near the intersection of 14th and U Streets, NW, a known hub for narcotics sales. From a concealed position, they observed a man who appeared to be conducting multiple drug transactions.
The two officers decided to move in and make an arrest, separating to approach the suspect from different directions to cut off any potential escape. As Officer Snyder neared the individual, the man suddenly opened fire. Snyder was struck by bullets in the head and in the stomach, just below his bulletproof vest. His partner returned fire as the gunman fled. Despite the immediate efforts of a bystander to render aid and his rapid transport to a hospital, Arthur P. Snyder succumbed to his injuries the following day.
A massive manhunt was immediately launched for the suspect, who was quickly identified as Bruce Wazon Griffith. For three days, law enforcement scoured the city for Griffith, who was already wanted on a prior heroin possession charge. The search came to a dramatic and violent end when a cab driver recognized Griffith as his passenger and alerted the police. As officers converged on the taxi, Griffith opened fire on them. The officers returned fire, and in the ensuing shootout, Griffith was killed. The case was considered solved with the death of the primary suspect.
