Scott A. Cooper : Fatal Shooting Liberty Drive: Suspect at Large

BLOOMINGTON Homeless Man Arrested for Murder After Being Found Sleeping in Van Near Dead Body

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Bloomington police have apprehended a homeless man on suspicion of murder after he was discovered sleeping in a van close to a deceased individual.

Scott A. Cooper, a 56-year-old transient individual, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning by officers from the Bloomington Police Department following a report of a shooting fatality. Cooper has been provisionally charged with murder.

Investigation Details

The Bloomington Police Department stated that officers were dispatched at approximately 6:20 a.m. to a parking lot in the 2100 block of S. Liberty Drive in response to a report of an unconscious individual. The caller reported finding the man lying motionless on the ground upon arriving at work.

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a man who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, according to BPD.

Subsequently, detectives initiated a search of the vicinity where the body was located and located a van parked nearby with a visible bullet hole through the windshield. Additionally, another van in close proximity contained a man who was asleep.

The man, later identified as Cooper, was instructed to exit the van. Following a brief conversation with officers, the suspect was apprehended and transported to headquarters for further questioning.

Further Developments

BPD confirmed that both vans, including the one with the bullet hole and the van where Cooper was discovered, were impounded from the scene subsequent to the issuance of search warrants. Additionally, authorities reportedly recovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun inside the 2006 Chrysler Town & Country where Cooper had been sleeping.

After being interviewed by BPD investigators, Cooper was conveyed to Monroe County Jail and formally charged with felony murder.

Authorities have scheduled an autopsy for the deceased individual as efforts are underway to notify next of kin. Further details have not been disclosed at this time.