07-07-2025
19-year-old suspect in Detroit fireworks shooting arrested, police say
Detroit police say the 19-year-old suspected of opening fire near the city's Ford Fireworks show on Monday, June 23 — injuring two people — has been taken into custody after a two-week search.
Alphonso Cooper Jr. of Romulus was arrested Monday, July 7, at a home in Washtenaw County, police said in a statement.
Police Chief Todd Bettison said investigators worked "countless hours" on the case and that he is confident Cooper is responsible for the shooting, which injured a 17-year-old boy he was allegedly fighting and a 22-year-old woman who happened to be nearby. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Another person was previously sought as a person of interest by police for allegedly helping Cooper flee the scene. Police did not confirm that person's arrest, but DPD Officer Jalen Nelson said everyone believed to be involved is now in custody, and there are no outstanding suspects or persons of interest.
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The shooting occurred around 10:04 p.m. near Randolph and Larned streets — about a block from Spirit of Detroit Plaza and Hart Plaza, where thousands had gathered to watch the fireworks.
Police said the shooting was not random and stemmed from a dispute between Cooper and the teen victim over "about $200 and some change."
DPD credited its Fugitive Apprehension Services Team and the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for the arrest. A warrant for criminal charges has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, police said.
"I want to thank the community for all the tips, along with my officers and all of our law enforcement partners who assisted in this process," Bettison said.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit fireworks shooting suspect arrested after 2 week search
