Metro East Sun

A 27-year-old white male was killed after shooting an officer in the leg following multiple pull-over attempts as the suspect fled on his motorcycle for over an hour.

Randolph County State Attorney Jeremy Walker alleged that the suspect was Timothy J. Snyder from St. Charles. A deputy attempted to pull the motorcyclist over near Ellis Grove after he was seen speeding, but Snyder refused to pull over. The motorcycle was later spotted traveling at speeds over 90 miles per hour with various police officers and deputies attempting to pull him over as Snyder drove back and forth on Route 3 between Chester and Red Bud.

The motorcyclist at one point turned around to face two police officers identified as Luke Horrell and Michael Collins and began to drive his motorcycle vehicle toward them, which resulted in the motorcycle ending up in a ditch and stuck in the mud at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and Clarence Drive. 

On Sunday, May 23, at approximately 1:38 a.m., the two police officers attempted to arrest the suspect and Snyder resisted arrest. Officer Horrell then deployed his taser to gain control of the suspect. Snyder then drew a 9mm pistol, shooting Officer Collins in the leg. 

After shooting Officer Collins, Officer Horrell demanded that Snyder drop his weapon. After Snyder refused to drop the weapon, Officer Horrell fired his weapon, killing Snyder. 

"Given recent available information, I’m saddened to learn of yet another instance in which the lives of police officers were threatened in the line of duty," Sen. Terri Bryant wrote in a Facebook post. "Especially in the wake of the heartbreaking killing of a Champaign officer just a week ago, we are all too aware of the potential for tragedy that can happen when an officer puts on their uniform. 

"Our men and women in blue risk so much to keep our communities safe, and it’s instances such as this officer-involved shooting that underscore the service and sacrifice of law enforcement."

Injured Officer Collins was taken to a St. Louis hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; he was then discharged. 

The motorcycle was reported stolen out of St. Louis and registered under an owner's name from O'Fallon, Ill. The ignition had been "punched", allowing Snyder to drive the motorcycle. 

After searching Snyder's items, police discovered a large amount of methamphetamine, baggies, scales and several power tools in a backpack.