Gary, Indiana – A traffic stop for a headlight violation in Gary became violent on Monday, when an Indiana man allegedly battled a trooper and a K9 before being apprehended, according to authorities.
On November 25, Indiana State Trooper Beers stopped a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee near the junction of Burr Street and 10th Avenue due to an illegal headlight.
The driver, 33-year-old Shelley Cooper, was discovered to have a suspended license, and the officer reported smelled marijuana emanating from the car.
According to state police, a red Solo cup containing an alcoholic beverage was found in the vehicle’s center console.
When Trooper Beers invited Cooper to step outside for field sobriety testing, he allegedly refused to participate during a pat-down, resulting in a scuffle.
Cooper backed away and fled, allegedly attempting to remove a gun from his waistband before dropping it and continuing to flee, according to authorities.
Cooper was eventually taken down after being bitten by K9 Zero and tased by Beers. Cooper allegedly laid on top of the dog in an attempt to hurt it.
Cooper was tased and suffered minor face injuries as a result.
Cooper was transferred to the Lake County Jail on the following charges after being examined by EMS and taken to Northlake Hospital for treatment:
- Resisting law enforcement- defendant draws a weapon- Level 6 felony (two 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 before conviction- Class A misdemeanor.
- Possession of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor.
According to state police, Cooper is a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.