Man Shoots Ex, Her Boyfriend Followed By Suicide At Bar: Police

Lakeland FL

12 July, 2021

2:42 PM

Description

POLK COUNTY, FL — A Lake Wales man shot his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend before he committed suicide at a bar Saturday night, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. Kevin Cooper, 41, called his ex-girlfriend several times Saturday harassing her about having a new boyfriend after she broke up with him, police said. Later that night, Cooper showed up at the bar, Ya'll Come Back Saloon, 3220 State Road 60 East, Lake Wales, where his ex and her new man were hanging out. Cooper shot his ex shortly after entering the bar shortly after 8 p.m., according to investigators. Bullets graze her shoulder, and she experienced minor injuries. Cooper then moved over to the boyfriend sitting at the bar, and shot him twice. Afterward, Cooper committed suicide by shooting himself. The male victim was last reported in critical but stable condition at a local hospital, deputies said. "Domestic violence is extremely serious, and often affects more than just the two people involved," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Luckily, in this instance, one of the victims was not critically injured—and we're hopeful the other victim will survive. If you are in an abusive relationship, get help. There are resources available to help victims of domestic violence." If you or someone you love is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with a specialist online. Also, if you are in an abusive relationship, get help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or chat live for help.