James L. Cooper
Lexington Park, MD— On April 7, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dale Smith responded to Suburban Drive in Lexington Park for the report of domestic violence in progress with a knife.
Before Smith arrived, the emergency communication center advised that the defendant was still inside the residence with a knife.
When units arrived at the scene, they surrounded the house. Smith called the defendant’s name. The suspect was identified as James L. Cooper, 44, of Lexington Park. Smith asked Cooper several times to come outside. According to charging documents, “Units on the rear of the residence stated they saw the back door open then shut. Additionally, they heard movements in the residence.”
Another unit made contact with the victim, who had fresh injuries and advised, “the injuries were from a knife the defendant had,” according to charging documents. Sgt. Stafford and several units from the COPS Unit made entry into the residence.
Smith spoke with the victim who advised, “her boyfriend (Cooper), whom she lives with, assaulted the victim. She stated they woke up around 11 a.m., and he punched her (victim) in the face for no reason. They were in the living room, and she was texting her mom about the assault and Copper became furious about her texting,” according to charging documents.
Cooper then walked over from the kitchen with a knife put the knife to the victim’s throat. The knife cut the victim’s throat slightly. When the victim attempted to get away from Cooper he punched her several more times in the face.
The victim also advised, “the abuse has been ongoing for 11 years, stating there have been at least 100 serious incidents between them,” according to charging documents.
Cooper fled the scene when the victim dialed 911, before deputies arrived at the residence. Cooper is charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault.
At this time, Cooper is being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center with no bond. Copper does not have a scheduled court date, however, faces a maximum jail sentence of 35 years and or a maximum fine of $2,500.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com
