Witness says shooting victim didn't appear to be armed

To view the Department of Corrections Fugitive Apprehension Section's firearms policy click here. WARNING: The policy was obtained via fax and may be difficult to read.

Zachary C. Snyder, the 23-year-old victim in a shooting that occurred Thursday night at a Themis Street apartment complex, did not appear to be armed when he was shot once in the upper torso, a witness said.

Pam Dintelmann, a tenant at the apartment complex, was helping a friend unload groceries from her car when she saw Snyder speaking with a man in the parking lot near the door of her building.

She and Snyder were only acquaintances, she said, because he was a frequent visitor of a man who lives in the complex.

Darren Ellis, manager of the apartment building, said Snyder, of Dexter, Mo., didn't live there.

Police confirmed Friday that information indicates a state fugitive recovery agent was serving a warrant for parole violation for Snyder and taking him into custody when the shooting occurred, said Sgt. Barry Hovis, spokesman for the Cape Girardeau police department.

The investigation continues, but at this time evidence indicates the gun was discharged by the agent while attempting to make the arrest, said Hovis.

Dintelmann said Snyder attempted to run away from the man he was talking to, and a single shot was fired, hitting Snyder as he turned.

Snyder, wounded, then ran behind Dintelmann's car, and the man followed him, gun still drawn, Dintelmann said.

Dintelmann said she ran into her house after the shooting because she was afraid, and that police had arrived by the time she was able to comprehend what had happened.

Coroner John Clifton said Snyder suffered a single gunshot wound to the upper torso.

Police did not confirm the caliber of the handgun believed to have fired the fatal shot.

Snyder was later pronounced dead at Saint Francis Medical Center, Clifton said.

Only one shot was fired, police say.

All Missouri fugitive apprehension investigators are issued a Glock 22.40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections policy.

Clifton said a coroner's inquest is set for Feb. 26.