Lake City police officer dies
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The Lake City police officer who was shot in the head while responding to a domestic dispute has died.
Officer Shawn Schneider died Friday evening, according to a statement on the Mayo Clinic's website. In the statement, Schneider's family thanks the community for "overwhelming support and well wishes during this difficult time."
Schneider, 32, was married and the father of three children. He was a 9-year veteran of the Lake City Police Department.
Many in the community kept their porch lights on as a sign of support for the wounded officer, and hundreds attended prayer vigils for Schneider in Rochester and Lake City.
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Schneider had been in critical condition at St. Marys Hospital at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., since Dec. 19, when he was shot in the head as he and a partner responded to a domestic dispute at a residence.
After standoff lasting nearly eight hours, the suspect, Alan Sylte Jr., 25, of Hager City, Wis., was later found dead in the house. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Sylte was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard and served a tour in Iraq in 2010.
Sylte's veteran status was part of the reason officials took so many precautions during the standoff.
A 17-year-old girl who escaped from the house told police she had broken up with Sylte the previous week.
The Lake City Police Department was closed Friday evening.
Police supporters have set up an account to assist the family with expenses.
Shawn Schneider Family Support Fund
c/o: Kathy Moyer
Alliance Bank
105 E Lyon Ave
Lake City, MN 55041
Phone: (651) 345 - 3311
Compiled from MPR and wire reports.
