Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Cooper succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two weeks earlier while questioning two men in the 3300 block of East Carson Street at approximately 4:10 am. As he approached them one one of the subjects drew a revolver and opened fire, striking Patrolman Cooper twice in the arm and leg before he could react. Patrolman Cooper was able to walk to a call box where he alerted other officers to the shooting. He was taken to South Side Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his wounds. The gunman, age 26, was apprehended and charged with murder. The murder charge was dismissed when it was determined Patrolman Cooper died from a brain disease and not the gunshot wounds. Patrolman Cooper had served with the Pittsburgh Police Department for two years and was assigned to the West End Station.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Cooper gave the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 1 year.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cooper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles Lewis Cooper Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, 45 of 101 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Lewis Cooper Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Charles Lewis Cooper Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Lewis Cooper Jr. is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Lewis Cooper Jr. was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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