Snopek family offers reward in hit-and-run

Wed October 10 2007
Posted Oct 10, 2007
11,236

By: MARY CATLETT, Boone News-Republican 10/03/2007 Bicyclist Mark Snopek was killed by a hit-and-run driver in rural Boone County on County Rd R18, at 8:53 p.m. on the night of August 8. Despite a thorough and on-going investigation by area law enforcement, a suspect has yet to be named, said Kevin M. Griggs, spokesman for the family. By publicizing what happened and collecting pledges toward a reward, however, the family of Mark Snopek hopes to generate information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible. "Mark's wife, Kay and I intend to advise the public of Mark's story and the fact that the person responsible has not come forward or been found," said family friend Kevin M. Griggs, who is coordinating the collection of reward pledges. "Hopefully, with an offer of a reward, someone with information will come forward." Griggs, who first brought Snopek to the Boone area about five years ago when he hired the bicyclist for the Department of Transporation in Ames, has started the fund by pledging $1,000 of his own money. "I hope we can quickly reach the $5,000 to $10,000 range so we have a substantial reward offer," said Griggs. He also stressed that the money will not be actually collected until someone is convicted and that these actions are being taken under the advice of the Boone County Sheriff's Office and the Boone County Attorney. "Once a conviction is made, I'll communicate a collection process for the reward funds," said Griggs. The sudden, tragic death left friends and family stunned Closure is what's needed, said Griggs. "Let's all help Kay and the rest of Mark's family to find some closure by helping to bring Mark's killer to justice," he said. "Here is your opportunity to help." Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Boone County Sheriff's office at 515-433-0524. More information will be released as it becomes available. Mary Catlett can be reached at mcatlett@newsrepublican.com. ========== To make a pledge, Griggs asks that people contact him by e-mail at Kevin@griggs-strategies.com and indicate their name, address, telephone number as well as the amount they wish to pledge. All information will be kept confidential, he said, although Kay Snopek plans to send personalized thank you notes to each person pledging.