Dates: July 26, 1975 -March 8, 2022
The Tragedy:
Corporal Ben Cooper and Police Officer Jake Reed tragically lost their lives while responding to a disturbance call at a shopping center on March 8, 2022, in Missouri.
As the pair attempted to apprehend their subject, the man opened fire and inflicted critical wounds to both men. He then stole one of the officer’s weapons and hijacked a patrol car. During his escape, he continued firing at pursuing officers before he eventually crashed the stolen vehicle. The suspect hid behind a van and continued firing, severely wounding a third officer who was still inside his patrol car. He continued to shoot at officers before being fatally wounded by returning gunshots.
Corporal Cooper was rushed to a local hospital but was announced dead a short time later. He was a dedicated Army veteran and had worked in law enforcement for nineteen years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
More info:
missourimemorial : Law enforcement memorial
The Service:
Corporal ben Cooper was honored at Missouri Southern State University by over two thousand people, including many law enforcement officers. Brian Henderson, former coworkers of Cooper, eulogized the fallen Corporal.
“We may never know the reason, this side of heaven, but we have a promise, we have a promise in the word of God that there is a reason for everything that takes place under heaven.”
Police Chief Sloan Rowland also spoke in Cooper’s memory with fond memories of the man’s knowledge, loyalty and the impact he had on others. He closed the service by saying, “ We have the watch over the city and we have the watch over your family.”
More info:
masonwoodard : Obituary
joplinglobe : Thousands honor Cpl. Ben Cooper
The Justice:
The suspect who killed Corporal Ben Cooper was identified as Anthony Felix. As Felix had continued to shoot at officers, he also was shot by returning fire from Captain Will Davis, which resulted in Felix’s death. Felix was homeless and had a felony conviction. The weapon he used was illegally purchased from a private seller and there is an ongoing investigation into this sale.
More info:
fox23 : Suspect identified
joplinglobe : Prosecutors clear police of gunman’s shooting
The Delivery:
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