Wisconsin State Trooper Killed By Bank Robbery Suspect
A Wisconsin state trooper was killed by a bank robbery suspect on Tuesday evening. Authorities confirmed Trooper Trevor Casper, 21, and suspect Steven Timothy Snyder were both shot and killed during an “exchange of gunfire” in Fond du Lac.
Although the investigation is ongoing, Snyder is suspected of robbing two banks at gunpoint. He is also suspected of shooting an unidentified man during a carjacking.
As reported by FDL Reporter, authorities have not confirmed Snyder committed the string of crimes. However, the incidents were all reported within the same time frame.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., authorities received reports that the State Bank of Florence was robbed at gunpoint by an unidentified man. Witnesses said the suspect fired one shot before fleeing the scene. Thankfully, nobody was harmed during the robbery.
Thoughts & prayers for the family, friends & colleagues of #WisconsinStatePatrol Trooper Trevor Casper. #RIP pic.twitter.com/UgEdpoXDLv
— Chief Thomas M. Chan (@NYPDTransport) March 25, 2015
Authorities believe Snyder left the State Bank of Florence in his own vehicle. However, the car was later found abandoned on Jermac Road. According to reports, the suspect shot an unidentified man and stole his vehicle after abandoning his own car.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., authorities received reports of another armed robbery at the Peters Street Hometown Bank. Following the robbery, the suspect led authorities on a chase through Fond du Lac. Witness Mark Stevens described the scene.
“The police were coming down… and the guy jumped out of his car and it landed up here on the curb and he took off… and the cops started trying to get everyone away from the entrance to the parking lot.”
Stevens said he heard an estimated “10-15 shots,” from what sounded like “a semi-automatic weapon.” Late Tuesday evening, authorities confirmed a Wisconsin state trooper was killed during the exchange.
With #respect for Trooper Trevor Casper, #WisconsinStatePatrol #EOW 3/24/15 https://t.co/Pw5cUzVd8r #WI #LODD #LESM pic.twitter.com/EsRBziTTPQ
— BlueLineAcrossAmer (@BlueLineAcross) March 25, 2015
As reported by the Milwaukee Wisconsin Sentinel Journal, Trevor Casper graduated from Keil High School in 2011 and joined the Wisconsin State Patrol in December 2014. His family said he was “so very proud of his career.”
Trevor is described as “an amazing young man, who from a young age would do anything to help anyone.” In an official statement, his family expressed that “he truly believed his sole purpose in life was to serve and protect others.” Rest in paradise, brother.
