LI argument leads to man shooting self, woman being pistol-whipped

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Three men were arrested for assault and weapons charges stemming from a disturbance that occurred on Long Island over the weekend, authorities said.

According to detectives, at 4:40 p.m. Saturday, April 27, a disturbance involving a physical altercation occurred on the side of the building of 30 Old Mill Court in Rockville Centre between a group known to each other.

During the physical altercation Kevin Cooper, 56, accidentally discharged a loaded 9-millimeter Taurus handgun which he was carrying inside his hooded sweatshirt pocket, causing injuries to his abdomen and other areas.

The discharge caused those in the altercation to disperse.

Kevin S. Cooper Jr., 34, also pointed a handgun at a 50-year-old woman and struck the female victim with the firearm causing injuries requiring her to be hospitalized, officials said.

Cooper Jr., and his brother, Devin Cooper, 27, ran after a male victim who was fleeing. Cooper Jr. pointed a loaded American Tactical, .22 caliber, defaced, handgun at the fleeing victim.

He then handed the firearm to Devin who fired two rounds in the direction of the victim, police said.

Authorities recovered both firearms.

All three men are facing charges including criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a firearm.

Additionally, Kevin Cooper Jr. is charged with assault.

Kevin Cooper will be arraigned when medically practical. Devin and Cooper Jr. were arraigned on Sunday.