Gary man arrested after fleeing from traffic stop, assaulting police K9

GARY, Ind. -- A 33-year-old Gary man is behind bars after he fought with an Indiana State Trooper and appeared to try to injure the Trooper's dog with his body weight.

According to ISP, on Nov. 25, Trooper Ben Beers made a traffic stop at the intersection of Burr Street and 10th Avenue on a gray 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee for having an "improper headlight."

"During the traffic stop, it was determined that the driver had a suspended license," ISP said. "Trooper Beers also detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle and also observed a red solo cup in the center console that appeared to have an alcoholic beverage in it."

Authorities say during the traffic stop, Trooper Beers had the driver, later identified as Shelley Cooper, step out of the Jeep to perform field sobriety tests and conduct a further investigation.

"After the driver exited the Jeep, Trooper Beers attempted to conduct a pat down of [Cooper] for his safety; however, the driver refused to cooperate, and a struggle took place between the trooper and the driver," ISP stated. 

"During the struggle, [Cooper] pulled away from Trooper Beers and began to run from the traffic stop. As he did so, he turned back towards the trooper and began to reach into his waistband and attempted to pull a handgun from his pants. As he did so, he dropped the gun and again began to run from the trooper."

Cooper was taken into custody after being bitten by Trooper Beers’ assigned K9 Zero, and also after being tasered by Trooper Beers.

"During the altercation and after being bitten by K9 Zero, the suspect intentionally laid on top of the K9 with all of his body weight in what appeared to be an attempt to injure the K9," ISP said.

As a result of the fall from being tasered, Cooper suffered minor facial injuries and was checked by Gary EMS before being transported to Northlake Hospital for treatment. K9 Zero was uninjured.

Cooper is preliminarily charged with the following offenses:

• Resisting Law Enforcement- Defendant Draws a Weapon- Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
• Resisting Law Enforcement- Class A Misdemeanor
• Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun- Class A Misdemeanor
• Cruelty to a Law Enforcement Animal- Class A Misdemeanor
• Driving While Suspended Prior Conviction- Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor
• During the investigation, it was determined that the defendant was also a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Cooper was later transported to the Lake County Jail.