Spaulding, Illinois – William L. Cooper, aged 46, has been sentenced for shooting at police officers in Spaulding, Illinois. Cooper entered a guilty plea to a single and reduced charge of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, a Class 1 felony, after initially facing charges of two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer (also a Class X felony) and a count of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, following allegations that Cooper drove through a metal gate directly at several responding officers.

He was arrested on Friday, August 20, 2021, after Sangamon County Central Dispatch received a call on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 9:47 p.m., reporting a distressed male at 43 Devine Dr., Spaulding, believed to be William L. Cooper. The caller, not present at the residence, suggested a possible overdose. Riverton PD and Spaulding PD were the first to arrive, reporting shots fired, with no injuries.

Cooper fled the scene in a vehicle, later found unoccupied at Mary Lane and Francis Dr., Spaulding. Deputies established a perimeter, and Illinois State Police closed Route 54.

Attempts to communicate with Cooper by phone were unsuccessful, leading to a Facebook post by Cooper at some point. He was apprehended at 12:57 a.m. in the 5400 Block of River View Rd, Spaulding, Illinois.

Law enforcement reported finding at least 10 shell casings at the scene.

Following Cooper’s arraignment, he posted bond amounting to $100,000 (10 percent of his $1 million bond) and, upon release, was directed to comply with the following terms:

• GPS electronic monitoring
• Home confinement
• Psychiatric evaluation and adherence to all recommended treatment
• Surrender of all firearms and FOID Concealed Carry License

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell clarified at the time that there was no indication that Cooper was under the influence of any substances.

On December 14, 2023, Cooper, represented by Criminal Defense Attorney Dan Fultz, was sentenced to 36 months of probation and fined a total of $10,724.00. If he had been convicted on his original charges, he could have faced a sentence of 10-45 years and would have been required to serve 85% of his sentence.