Report finds Trooper Casper justified in using deadly force – Wisconsin Radio

Trooper Casper exited his auto and returned fire, hitting Snyder, who ran a short distance and died on scene.

Toney gave the fullest account yet of a bloody 17-second shootout and the events leading up to it, saying that his investigation left “absolutely no doubt” that Casper was justified in using deadly force and found no fault with the rookie officer’s actions.

The 21-year-old State Trooper killed in a shootout was mortally wounded in an ambush, before he fired a fatal gunshot at a serial bank robbery suspect. Authorities were seeking Snyder in a bank robbery and the killing of a citizen earlier in the day. But the suspect realized he was being followed, pulled in to an ally, turned around and fired at Casper using armor piercing bullets. The victim was identified as 59-year-old Thomas Christ and evidence later showed that Steven Timothy Snyder was responsible for both the bank robbery and the murder of Thomas Christ on March 24.

The gunbattle lasted only about 17 seconds.

Captain Tony Burrell with the Wisconsin State Patrol read a statement Thursday, on behalf o the Casper family, thanking the community for their prayers and support.

Toney’s report said Snyder’s wife had, on March 13, provided details to the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department about his involvement in bank robberies dating to 2011.

Casper followed Snyder as his vehicle exited the highway and continued into the city, turning into a parking lot and onto another street, probably trying to determine whether Casper was following him, Toney said.

Michigan authorities said this week that Snyder was responsible for nine bank robberies in three states.

“We will miss Trevor’s visits, calls, texts, and Snapchats”, the family said.

Toney says Snyder had multiple weapons and more than 100 unfired rounds when he died. He had previously been dubbed the “respectful robber” by federal investigators due to his apparently calm demeanor during four bank robberies in Michigan between 2011 and 2013. Toney adds that Casper shot Snyder as he was running toward an apartment building and reloading his gun. “But we are comforted because we know Trevor will continue to protect and serve at the highest level as he looks upon us from above”.