Man charged with stalking after allegedly slashing victim’s tires

Joseph Ernest Cooper

Charles County officers responded to Light Arms Place in Waldorf on November 23rd at 11:30 p.m. for the report of suspicious activity. Investigation showed the suspect, Joseph Ernest Cooper, 44, of Waldorf was outside the house of a former friend. Cooper was in violation of a peace order and was not supposed to be in the area. 

Officers canvassed the neighborhood but Cooper was gone. Later, Cooper went back to the house and slashed two tires on the victim’s car. Officers responded back and canvassed the area. Master Corporal D. Belfield, along with PFC L. Blake and his K9 partner, began a track for Cooper.

Officer H. Burgess located Cooper hiding in his car which was parked on Gallery Place. Two knives were recovered from Cooper’s car and a check revealed Cooper had several open warrants. Cooper was arrested and charged with stalking, violation of a peace order and destruction of property.