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Incident
Special Officer James Snipes succumbed to a gunshot wound he sustained the night before due to mistaken identity while patrolling a high crime area in Ogden, Utah.
Officer Snipes and his partner noticed a man on a bicycle crossing the bridge at 24th Street over the Weber River at 9:00 p.m. As they walked to investigate, the subject fired at them, thinking they were going to rob him. The officers announced that they were officers, but the subject fired another shot and fled. Officer Snipes was shot in the pelvis, and the other officer suffered a flesh wound on his hand.
Officer Snipes was transported to the local hospital where he died from his wound the following evening.
The subject was an employee with the Southern Pacific Railroad and was fearful of the area based on reports of criminal activity. No charges were filed.
Officer Snipes had been sworn in as a Special Officer with the Ogden Police Department three days before he was shot. They hired extra officers to curb the growing criminal activity in the area. He was survived by his expectant wife and young daughter. His wife gave birth to his son the day after he died.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and young daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Officer Snipes served with the Ogden Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ogden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer Snipes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ogden Police Department has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 84 officers killed feloniously in UT, 60.9% of the 138 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 1 officer at Ogden Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1903, 1 officer in UT was killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1913, with 6.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 29. Of the 9 killed feloniously at Ogden Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 41; the middle age was 35. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 29. Of the 78 killed feloniously in UT whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 47; the middle age was 39. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 22.2% of these deaths at Ogden Police Department; May holds the most, 33.3%. Saturdays: 11.1%.
October holds 10.7% of these deaths in UT; May holds the most, 14.3%. Saturdays: 19%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90% of all 10 deaths at Ogden Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.9% of all 138 deaths in UT, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Ogden Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, James among them.
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William A. Brown
Apr 30, 1899
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James David Snipes
Oct 24, 1903
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Albert G. Smalley
Apr 7, 1920
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Charles Manzel
May 9, 1921
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Joseph Horald Quigley
Jul 12, 1935
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Hoyt L. Gates
Feb 11, 1941
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Clarence M. Bean
May 1, 1945
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Marshall N. White
Oct 18, 1963
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Jared Daniel Francom
Jan 5, 2012
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Nathan James Lyday
May 28, 2020
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Ogden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
