RINGGOLD TWP. Jefferson Co., Pa. (EYT) – The manhunt in Jefferson County is over after nearly 24 hours.
State Police have confirmed that Ryan Dennis Snyder, 39, was taken into custody in Ringgold Township, Jefferson County, late Thursday afternoon.
According to a criminal complaint, around 4:47 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, Punxsutawney-based State Police were dispatched to a residence on Sandy Hill Road in Ringgold Township, Jefferson County, for a report of a domestic-related altercation with active gunfire.
Interview with the First Victim
Upon their arrival, the troopers spoke to a known female victim.
According to the complaint, the victim reported that her boyfriend, Ryan Dennis Snyder, was highly intoxicated after consuming whiskey when he attempted to get her into his vehicle, a black sedan. The victim then argued with Snyder after refusing to get in the vehicle, and eventually entered the vehicle due to fear of being physically harmed if she continued to refuse.
The victim reported that once she was in the vehicle, she pulled the keys from the ignition and threw them out the window to prevent Snyder from driving intoxicated with her in the vehicle. She then attempted to exit the vehicle through the passenger side door, and Snyder jumped over the center console and followed her.
According to the complaint, the victim stated Snyder pinned her to the ground and began choking her with both hands around her neck until she couldn’t breathe. He then allegedly let her up and made suicidal statements including: “I’ll just go kill myself then.”
The victim told police she then ran from Snyder, heading northbound along Sandy Hill Road, to a neighbor’s residence where the homeowner granted permission for her to seek safety. She also stated Snyder retrieved the keys to his vehicle and pulled into another nearby driveway.
A short time later, Snyder allegedly appeared at the residence where the victim had gone for safety.
According to the complaint, Snyder forced his way into the residence through a rear entrance, carrying a long, black gun, possibly a rifle or shotgun, and assaulted the homeowner.
The victim reported that Snyder pointed the gun at the homeowner, and as he fired a round at him, the homeowner fell to the ground. Snyder then exited the residence, and while passing the first victim, said: “Check on him to see if I just shot him.”
The first victim reported that after Snyder left the residence, she heard more gunshots striking the residence. She then ran past the homeowner, briefly asking if he was okay, to which he replied “yes,” and then barricaded herself in a bathroom. She reported that she remained in the bathroom, in fear for her life, until police arrived at the scene.
Interview with the Second Victim/Homeowner
The second victim, the homeowner of the residence the first victim fled to for safety, told police he heard a loud pounding at the rear door of his residence and discovered the first victim, who he noted appeared to be frightened. He told police he allowed her in the house, and a short time later, Ryan Snyder also appeared at the residence.
According to the complaint, the homeowner said Snyder forced his way into the residence, then knocked him (the homeowner) down and physically assaulted him, punching him in the mouth, which caused him to bleed. He stated Snyder was carrying a long black firearm, possibly a rifle or shotgun.
The homeowner told police Snyder then pointed the firearm at him and fired. He went on to report that he dove to the ground, and Snyder then exited the residence through the rear door. After Snyder left, the homeowner went to get a gun from his gun safe in an effort to protect himself and his family.
The homeowner also noted that he did not grant permission for Snyder to enter his home at any time.
According to the complaint, the homeowner noted that once Snyder was outside, he began to fire multiple rounds into the residence.
The homeowner showed the officers one of the projectile holes which was located directly to the left of the front door. The complaint notes the projectile appeared to be fired through the siding and did not penetrate the walls of the residence.
Interview with Third Victim
A third victim, a woman who resides with the homeowner, was also interviewed.
According to the complaint, the third victim reported that she witnessed Ryan Snyder as he forced his way through the rear door of the residence holding a long, black firearm, and went on to note that Snyder pointed the firearm directly at the homeowner and fired a shot at him. She said she believed the homeowner had been shot and saw him fall to the ground. She then ran to her bedroom and locked the door, in fear that she was going to be shot. She also called 9-1-1 to report the situation.
According to court documents, the Punxsutawney-based State Police filed the following criminal charges against 39-year-old Ryan Dennis Snyder, of Mayport, on Thursday, September 12:
– Criminal Attempt – Murder Of The Second Degree, Homicide 2
– Aggravated Assault, Felony 1
– Burglary – Overnight Accommodations; Person Present, Bodily Injury Crime, Felony 1
– Possession Of Firearm Prohibited, Felony 2
– Strangulation – Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck, Felony 2
– Aggravated Assault, Felony 2
– Criminal Trespass-Break Into Structure, Felony 2
– Discharge Of A Firearm Into Occupied Structure, Felony 3 (five counts)
– Terroristic Threats With Intent To Terrorize Another, Misdemeanor 1 (four counts)
– Possess Instrument Of Crime With Intent, Misdemeanor 1
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (two counts)
– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2 (four counts)
Snyder is currently being processed by Punxsutawney-based State Police and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon.
Read more: https://www.explorejeffersonpa.com/.