News Release

February 15, 2008 Media Relations Office

For Immediate Release 916 808.0808 / F: 916 808.0829
Release No. 021508-19
Capt. Dana Matthes
Sgt. Matt Young
Ofc. Michelle Lazark
Ofc. Konrad VonSchoech
PIC Audrey Lee

Police Ask For Public’s Assistance in Locating Armed Robber

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a juvenile
suspect wanted for several violent crimes. On January 28, 2008, at 9:46 p.m., a victim was
parked in front of the laundry mat at 3201 Marysville Boulevard. The victim is a taxi driver and
was completing paperwork after dropping off a fare. The victim noticed James Cooper, 17 and
another suspect watching him. Cooper walked up to the victim’s window and asked how much
it would cost to go to the Natomas area. Cooper then pulled out a shotgun from under his
coat, pointed it at the victim and ordered him out of the taxi. Cooper took the victim’s wallet,
keys and calculator. The victim noticed that the second suspect had climbed into the taxi. The
suspects drove off. The victim observed the suspects pull over and pick up a third individual.
The taxi was recovered a short time later.

On February 1, 2008, another victim went to the Regional Transit Station at 3008 Academy
Way to pick up a friend. The victim observed four suspects standing around the station staring
at people. James Cooper approached the victim’s car and motioned with his hands that he
wanted to use one of the victim’s cell phones. The victim refused and locked the doors.
Cooper pulled a shotgun out from under his sweatshirt and pointed it at the driver. The driver
put the car into reverse and fled the scene. Cooper fired several shots at the victim as they
fled. The victim’s vehicle was hit two times. Officers arrived on scene, collected evidence,
reviewed surveillance video, and Cooper was identified.

Cooper has a warrant for his arrest on charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery,
Car Jacking, and Attempted Robbery. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Coopers case has been filed in Adult Court.

Anyone with information pertaining to this crime is strongly urged to contact CRIME ALERT at
(800)-AA-CRIME or (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a
reward up to $1,000.

Sacramento Police Department – 5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100 – Sacramento, California 95822
Sacramento Police Department – 5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100 – Sacramento, California 95822