HOCKESSIN, Del. (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds gathered at the Hockessin PAL center Monday night to pay their respects to a 34-year-old Delaware state trooper who was shot and killed inside a DMV last week.
Corporal Matthew T. “Ty” Snook was killed the day before Christmas Eve when 44-year-old Rahman Rose entered the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles on Hessler Boulevard, approached Snook, who was working an overtime shift, and opened fire. Snook was shot, but managed to push a DMV employee out of the way and told them to run as Rose continued firing multiple rounds at him.
“He lived his life with integrity and heart, and this is how we choose to remember him tonight,” said Snook’s wife, Lauren. She was one of many who came out Monday night to honor Snook, despite heavy, frigid wind gusts.
She said he was a loyal and dedicated officer, family member and friend, as well as a decorated wrestler.
TJ Aube, a retired state police officer, was acquainted with Snook and even wrestled for the same high school as him years before.
“We get on the job, and it’s always a risk, it’s always in the back of your head. You always be careful. You never expect it’s going to happen this way, but sometimes it does. Maybe it’s God’s greater plan. I have no idea what else to think about it except to be sad and angry,” Aube said.
Snook is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter. His funeral will be private, but there will be a public service on Jan. 5 with a visitation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A fund has also been set up to support Snook's family.