Scott A. Cooper : Fatal Shooting on Liberty Drive: Tragic Incident Leaves One Dead

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Bloomington police have arrested a homeless man they believe is responsible for the fatal shooting of a man in a parking lot. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old transient Scott A. Cooper, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning by officers from the Bloomington Police Department.

Cooper has been preliminarily charged with murder in connection with the shooting incident that occurred in the 2100 block of S. Liberty Drive. The arrest came after a caller reported finding a man lying motionless in the parking lot early in the morning.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the lifeless body of a man who had sustained a gunshot wound to his chest. Detectives conducting a search of the area located a van nearby with a bullet hole through the windshield. Inside the van, they found Cooper sleeping.

Following a brief conversation with the suspect, officers detained Cooper and transported him to the police headquarters for further questioning. Subsequently, two vans, including the one with the bullet hole, were towed from the scene after investigators obtained search warrants. Inside the van where Cooper was found, authorities discovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun.

After being interrogated by BPD investigators, Cooper was taken into custody and booked at the Monroe County Jail on a felony murder charge. An autopsy has been scheduled for the deceased victim, and efforts are underway to notify the next of kin.

The Bloomington Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No additional details have been disclosed at this time as the case remains under active investigation.