SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita Police arrested an 18-year-old Saturday after he allegedly struck a relative with a rifle, threatened to shoot multiple people, and prompted a SWAT response at a home in the 2000 block of South Mosley.
Just before 1a.m. Saturday., a relative called 911 to report that her 18-year-old brother identified in county booking records as Christopher J. Cooper had assaulted their 42-year-old stepmother with a rifle and threatened to shoot several people at the residence.
Officers located the caller and the victim at a different location. The victim had injuries to the back of her head requiring medical attention. During further follow-up, officers learned from additional witnesses that Cooper had made alarming statements, including a threat to “shoot it out” with police if they responded.
Officers responded to the South Mosley address and believed Cooper was inside a detached garage behind the home. They attempted to communicate with him using drones but were unsuccessful.
SWAT and Crisis Negotiators were activated while officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and garage. Negotiators attempted to contact Cooper again using loudspeakers, but were unsuccessful.
Once the warrant was secured, SWAT deployed less-lethal tactics, including bean bag rounds and a Noise/Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD). After the NFDD was deployed, Cooper exited the structure, saw SWAT officers and a police K9, and surrendered peacefully.
The 42-year-old victim was treated at a local hospital and later released.
Cooper was booked into Sedgwick County Jail and is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon and criminal threat.