In a major breakthrough in the investigation of last month’s dramatic incident at the Detroit Fireworks show, authorities have announced that Alphonso Cooper, Jr., a 19-year-old man, has been arrested and is now facing serious charges in connection with a shooting that rattled the community.
On June 23, 2025, as thousands gathered to enjoy the fireworks lighting up the Detroit River, an altercation erupted that would have far-reaching consequences. According to reports from the prosecutor’s office, what began as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into violence when Cooper and a 17-year-old male from Van Buren Township got into a confrontation. In the heat of the moment, Cooper pulled out a firearm, firing multiple shots. Tragically, the 17-year-old victim was wounded during the shootout, while a 22-year-old woman from Ferndale, who had been in the vicinity as an innocent bystander, also sustained injuries.
For several weeks after the incident, Cooper eluded law enforcement, prompting an extensive manhunt. However, on July 7, 2025, Detroit Police successfully located and arrested him at a residence in Washtenaw County. The swift action by authorities culminated in his apprehension without incident, marking a significant step forward in the case.
Detroit Police Chief Todd A. Bettison expressed his gratitude to the community and law enforcement partners for their relentless efforts:
“Our officers have worked countless hours on this investigation to ensure that we brought the individual responsible for the fireworks shooting into custody. I am confident that Alphonso Cooper, Jr. is the person who fired the shots at this year’s fireworks, injuring a 17-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman. I want to thank the community for all the tips, along with my officers and all of our law enforcement partners who assisted in this process.”
The charges against Cooper are extensive. He now faces two counts each of assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm. Additionally, Cooper has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearms violations. During his court arraignment on Thursday, he was held on a $500,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 14, 2025 for further proceedings. A preliminary hearing has been set for July 25, 2025.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy commented on the case, emphasizing the gravity of Cooper’s actions:
“These shootings allegedly occurred because the defendant could not handle a disagreement and introduced a deadly weapon into the mix. This defendant did not care that there were hundreds of potential victims in the area. Bullets have no eyes, and it is extremely fortuitous that more fireworks attendees were not injured.”
The shocking events at the Detroit Fireworks show have ignited a vigorous public discussion about safety at large community events and the importance of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. The case serves as a stark reminder that even moments of celebration can quickly turn tragic when disputes escalate into the realm of deadly force.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward. The community, still reeling from the disruptions of that fateful evening, looks to the justice system for accountability and reassurance that such dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.
This update marks a turning point in the investigation into what has been one of the most high-profile incidents in recent Detroit history. The combined efforts of local law enforcement and community cooperation have played a vital role in bringing a suspect to justice. The coming weeks will be critical as the legal process unfolds and as the families of the victims seek answers and healing following a day that shattered the festive spirit of the Detroit Fireworks show.
