NEWS RELEASE

Late Friday, just before midnight, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office received a call of shooting in the 4000 block of Old Dixie Highway in Gifford. Responding deputies located Stephan Cooper (54) of Fort Pierce bleeding from a gunshot wound. Detectives responded and secured the crime scene.

Since the incident, detectives have learned that Cooper was leaving The Players Club bar when he was approached by an unidentified black male suspect, described as being 5’6″ to 5′ 10″, 160 to 200 pounds, short clean cut hair and shaved face with a mustache. The unidentified suspect was described as being in his mid to late 20’s, wearing a royal blue shirt.

Cooper said that when the suspect approached him from behind his vehicle, he demanded money before discharging a weapon, striking Cooper once. The unidentified suspect may have left in a small blue car. Indian River County Sheriff’s Detective Ross Partee stated, “When deputies arrived on scene, they observed between forty and sixty people outside of the bar. Somebody saw something that could help us solve this crime.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the events or has any information relating to this case is encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477) or through their website at http://www.tcwatch.org. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.