Officer James D. Snipes

Officer James D. Snipes

End of Watch: 

October 24, 1903

Age: 29
Ogden Police Department
Accidental: Shooting


Officer James D. Snipes died from a gunshot wound received the day before.  

Officer Snipes and another officer were passing through the crime-ridden area of west 24th Street near the Weber River. In the darkness, they encountered a railroad employee who had just been paid. Fearing that the two officers were robbers, the man opened fire on them without warning. Officer Snipes was struck in the abdomen. His partner was shot in the hand. Officer Snipes died the following day, 24 hours before his distraught wife gave birth to their second child. A formal inquest into the incident absolved the citizen of blame. Officer Snipes is buried in Ogden City Cemetery. 

The bronze memorial name plaque of Officer James D. Snipes is sponsored by the Ogden Police Benevolent Association.

Fallen Officers