The Brownwood Police Department issued the following press release Wednesday morning:

On Sunday, June 27 at approximately 7:50 p.m. police officers were dispatched to a fight at Coggin Park. The caller stated that the fight appeared to be between a father and son.

When officers arrived, they located a group of juveniles standing in the area of First Street and Roselawn. A juvenile male approached the officers and explained that his father attacked him.

The juvenile explained that his father, 53-year-old Michael Edward Cooper, of Brownwood, arrived at the park and ordered his son to enter the vehicle and come with him. The juvenile complied and during the brief drive an argument ensued. The argument turned physical when Cooper stopped the vehicle, exited, and grabbed the juvenile by the throat and arm. Both males struggled with each other as Cooper attempted to force the juvenile back into the vehicle. The juvenile was punched several times during this assault until he was able to free himself. Cooper then fled the scene.

More information was gathered, and Cooper’s criminal history was checked which indicated a prior incident of family violence.

At the conclusion of this investigation, a report was generated for Assault, Family Violence, Impeding Breathing as well as Assault, Family Violence, with a Previous Conviction.

The Criminal Investigations Division of the Brownwood Police Department reviewed the case and began their investigation. Interviews were conducted and further evidence gathered. Cooper was interviewed and ultimately claimed that he did lose control.  Detectives were able to secure warrants of arrest for Assault by Strangulation and for Assault, Family Violence, with Prior Convictions.

On Tuesday, July 20, Cooper arrived at the Law Enforcement Center and turned himself in on both warrants.