Joint News Release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Town of Beloit Police Department

A brief news conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Town of Beloit

MADISON — The investigation continues into a shooting incident that occurred on November 6, 2011 at 1:43 a.m. in the parking lot of Rex Lanes, at 2547 South Park Avenue in the Town of Beloit. The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation is the lead agency, with assistance from the Rock County Sheriff's Department and the City of Beloit Police Department.

In the early morning hours of November 6, 2011, Town of Beloit Sergeant Richard Felger, an eight-year veteran of the Town of Beloit Police Department, drove into the parking lot of Rex Lanes as part of his regular patrol duties. Rex Lanes frequently hosts large gatherings in the bar area known as Striker's Lounge.

Early Sunday morning, a large party was present and the parking lot was filled with vehicles, with a large crowd exiting the building. It is common practice for officers to be present at closing time to monitor events and to serve as a deterrent for potential problems.

As Sergeant Felger was walking through the parking lot, he heard the sound of gunfire. He observed a male subject with a handgun and confronted him. The male fired at Sergeant Felger, striking him in the left leg. Sergeant Felger returned fire, incapacitating the male. Sergeant Felger was able to summon additional assistance, and numerous officers from surrounding agencies and emergency medical services responded.

Sergeant Felger underwent surgery and was admitted to Beloit Memorial Hospital. The male subject received multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The deceased is identified as Darryl Cooper, age 26, of Rockford, Illinois. Autopsy results are still pending.

The number of persons who fired shots and the number of shots discharged is still under investigation, and agents and detectives continue to locate and interview witnesses and others with information. Physical evidence has been collected and submitted to the crime lab for analysis.

Town of Beloit Police Chief Steve Kopp will hold a brief news conference today at 3 p.m. at the Town of Beloit Police Department, located at 1133 Inman Parkway in the Town of Beloit. No official photo of Sergeant Felger will be released at this time from the Town of Beloit Police Department, but Chief Kopp will provide an update on Sergeant Felger's condition.

Anyone with information pertaining to the shooting can contact the Rock County Sheriff's Department at 608-757-7925, or the Division of Criminal Investigation at 608-266-1671.