On a cold morning in Lake City, Minnesota, on December 19, 2011, a domestic disturbance call set in motion a chain of events that would end in tragedy. Shawn Steven Schneider, a 32-year-old White/Caucasian male and a dedicated police officer, responded to the call on West Lyon Avenue. A nine-year veteran of the Lake City Police Department, he was known as a hardworking and passionate officer who truly loved his job.
He was also a husband and a father to three young children.
Upon arrival at the residence with a fellow officer, Schneider was attempting to help a 17-year-old girl escape from the home. The girl's ex-boyfriend, 25-year-old Alan J. Sylte Jr. of Hager City, Wisconsin, was inside. As the girl made her way towards the police vehicle, she heard gunshots and narrowly missed being hit herself. When she turned, she saw Officer Schneider fall to the ground. Sylte had fired a handgun from a basement window, striking Schneider in the head. Schneider's partner risked his own life to pull the critically wounded officer to safety. Schneider was rushed to St. Marys Hospital at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Following the shooting, an hours-long standoff ensued with law enforcement surrounding the home. Nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution. When officers finally entered the residence, they found Sylte deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An investigation later concluded that had Sylte survived, he would have faced charges of first-degree murder of a peace officer and first-degree premeditated murder.
For eleven days, Officer Schneider fought for his life, with the community rallying in support through prayer vigils and other gestures. Despite the efforts of medical staff and the hopes of his family and community, Shawn Steven Schneider succumbed to his injuries on December 30, 2011. He was remembered as a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, and officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
