Police: Bridgeport man died after accidentally misfiring gun

<p>Police say they believe the overnight shooting death of a man at the PT Barnum Housing complex in Bridgeport resulted from the victim accidentally misfiring his gun.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 22, 2018, 10:42 AM

Updated 2,133 days ago

Share:

Police say they believe the overnight shooting death of a man at the PT Barnum Housing complex in Bridgeport resulted from the victim accidentally misfiring his gun.
The family of 31-year-old Tavon Cooper says they're heartbroken by his sudden death. It happened around 10 p.m. Thursday.
Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez says it appears Cooper, who was found in this car, went over a speed bump while driving through the complex when the gun he was holding accidentally discharged, resulting in the deadly gunshot. He says there's surveillance video of the incident.
Family members say Cooper recently attended a vigil for his nephew, 18-year-old Corbin Cooper, who died last week after being ejected from a car following a police chase on Route 8.
The family says Cooper was in a highly emotional state following the death of his nephew, which may have contributed to his death. Additionally, police say gunshots from another weapon on the outside of the car suggest somebody may have been shooting at Cooper just beforehand.
Perez says the medical examiner is soon expected to make a final ruling on the cause of death.


More from News 12
1:53
Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

Plenty of sunshine today with cooler temps for New Jersey; freeze watch until Friday

2:04
Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

Threatening message found at Dwight-Englewood middle school

2:09
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:51
Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Wildfire in Wharton State Forest consumes more than 400 acres of land

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

2:54
Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

Longtime Democratic US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 following heart attack

0:56
Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

Passaic to get $1.6M in federal funds to reduce flash flooding where 2 people died

2:56
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend New Jersey woman's life

0:43
Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

Jersey Proud: Manchester HS students teach older generation about tech

2:23
'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

'The tower is an eyesore.' Demolition of former Nabisco factory tower set to begin after 1-year delay

1:03
Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

Rep. Gottheimer announces another attempt to put an end to NYC’s congestion pricing plan

0:29
Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

Former Wawa gas attendant accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers

1:33
AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

AAA: New Jersey gas prices increase nearly 20 cents from last week

2:12
Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

Princeton University accused of violating civil rights of Jewish students

0:37
Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

Prosecutors: Former Jersey City police officer charged with sex assault, criminal restraint

0:27
Washington Township police issues warning over 'Water Wars' game

Washington Township police issues warning over 'Water Wars' game

0:34
Camden County man charged in crash that killed young mother

Camden County man charged in crash that killed young mother

2:18
Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, FDA says

Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurized milk, FDA says

0:32
US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered

US banning TikTok? Your key questions answered