(Gary, IN) - An Indiana State Police Trooper and his K9 companion teamed up to take down an armed felon in Gary.
On Monday, Trooper Ben Beers pulled over a gray 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee for having an improper headlight.
Beers determined that the driver, 33-year-old Shelley Cooper, from Gary, was in possession of an expired license. Inside the vehicle, the officer also smelled burnt marijuana and saw in the center console a red solo cup containing what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage. During a search, Cooper ran away from the trooper, while appearing to pull a gun from his waistband. After fumbling the firearm, Cooper continued to run, until he was tackled and bitten by the officer’s K9, named Zero. The trooper then tasered Cooper and took him into custody.
According to police, during the altercation, Cooper intentionally laid on top of the K9 with all of his body weight in what appeared to be an attempt to hurt the dog. State Police subsequently reported that Zero was uninjured.
Cooper has been preliminarily charged with the following offenses:
- Resisting Law Enforcement- Defendant Draws a Weapon- Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
- Resisting Law Enforcement- Class A Misdemeanor
- Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun- Class A Misdemeanor
- Cruelty to a Law Enforcement Animal- Class A Misdemeanor
- Driving While Suspended Prior Conviction- Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor
During the investigation, it was determined that the defendant was also a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
