2 Sent To Hospital During Gun Melee In Rockville Centre: Police

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — Three relatives were arrested on assault and weapons charges over the weekend in Rockville Centre.

A disturbance near an Old Mill Court building on Saturday afternoon led to a physical altercation, police said.

During the altercation, Kevin Cooper, 56, accidentally discharged a loaded 9-mm handgun, which he was carrying in his sweatshirt pocket. It caused injuries to his abdomen, police said.

Moments later, Kevin Cooper Jr., 34, pointed a handgun at a 50-year-old female and fired. The woman was hospitalized, police said.

Thereafter, Cooper Jr. and his brother Devin Cooper, 27, ran after a man who was fleeing, police said. Cooper Jr. pointed a loaded .22 caliber, defaced, handgun at the fleeing man. He handed the gun to Devin Cooper, who fired two rounds in the direction if the victim, authorities said.

Both firearms were recovered. All three men live in Rockville Centre. They are charged with criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a firearm. Kevin Cooper Jr. is also charged with second-degree assault. Two of the defendants were expected to be arraigned on Sunday, while Kevin Cooper's arraignment is planned when it's medically practical.