An East Chicago man could face up to 2.5 years in prison after he admitted shooting another man in the stomach at a liquor store, court records show.
Tavaris Cooley, 47, pleaded guilty to battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a level 6 felony, according to court documents filed July 28. If the deal is accepted by a judge, he would face a sentencing range from six months to 2.5 years, documents show, to be argued by both side’s lawyers.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1 before Lake Superior Judge Salvador Vasquez.
Cooley admitted in court documents that he shot the victim March 13. 2021 at Gas Center Liquor Store, 5680 Indianapolis Blvd., after they got into an argument that devolved into a physical fight.
He and the victim knew each other “for decades,” records show. The victim was transported to a hospital for surgery.
Cooley is represented by attorney Maryam Afshar-Stewart, while Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jacquelyn Altpeter is assigned to the case.
