Charles Cooper, born in 1968 from Pleasant Hope, Missouri, faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action after allegedly attacking a 21-year-old man in the parking lot of Pleasant Hope Middle School on December 16, 2025. The incident stemmed from Cooper’s belief that the victim had hit his dog with a car en route to a middle school basketball game, prompting Cooper to confront him with a metal flashlight while yelling accusations. Witnesses heard taunts like “You made my dog bleed internally, now I’m going to make you bleed internally” and “Go ahead and cry” as Cooper beat the victim to the ground.​
Attack Details
The victim had stepped outside for air after becoming frustrated with the game when Cooper approached, striking him repeatedly until he fell. A female witness yelled for Cooper to stop, but he replied, “No, he hit my dog,” continuing the assault. Police found Cooper at his home afterward, where he confessed to the beating.​
Victim’s Injuries and Response
The 21-year-old suffered head injuries and was treated at Citizens Memorial Hospital after being taken to an empty classroom for initial aid. Deputies noted the victim holding his head in distress upon their arrival.​
Legal Status
Cooper, charged under sudden passion provisions, is held in Polk County Jail on a $35,000 bond. The probable cause statement details the unprovoked nature despite the victim’s admission of possibly hitting something unknown on the drive.
