Second paragraph from the last reads: "At the time of the shooting, Cooperstein was taking prescription medications for depression and anxiety. He has said the medications ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis but didn't affect his ability to do his job.
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ARRESTED OFFICER MAY HAVE CREATED RACIST WEB PAGE
Sun-Sentinel
February 13, 1999
Author: TIM MOLLOY The Associated Press
Estimated printed pages: 2

A white police officer suspected of authoring a Web page with racist overtones was arrested in the shooting death of a black motorist.

Jeffrey Cooperstein turned himself in on Thursday to face possible murder and manslaughter charges in the Dec. 21 death of Deron Grimmitt during a police chase.
Cooperstein said he shot Grimmitt in self-defense because he feared the motorist would run him over.

Police had sought to question Grimmitt, 32, as to why he slowed down while he passed officers making a drug arrest.

One officer testified that police were on edge after a drive-by shooting the previous night and feared Grimmitt was planning to shoot them.

But testimony in a coroner's inquest established that Grimmitt was shot through the side window in the side of the head, not head-on -- as might be expected if he were driving toward Cooperstein. Cooperstein was standing behind his car when he shot Grimmitt.

Authorities looking for a motive for murder are investigating whether Cooperstein is the so-called Blue Knight, an anonymous police officer behind the Web site.

"There's issues touching on racial animus, talking about finding the right victim," said Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. "You need malice if you're going to get a charge on murder."

The Web page blasts the Pittsburgh Police Department and defends five white suburban officers who suffocated black motorist Jonny Gammage after a traffic stop on Oct. 12, 1995.

"If you get out of your car and fight with me on a traffic stop, for whatever dysfunctional cause you have, I will feel remorse when you die for that cause, but I will go home to see my child in the morning," the Blue Knight writes. "Don't talk to me about rules, and don't talk to me about race."

In a recent interview with the Tribune-Review of Pittsburgh, Cooperstein, 43, said he "can neither confirm nor deny" he is the Blue Knight.

Cooperstein has an unlisted number and could not be reached for comment on Friday. His attorney, David Trautman, did not comment.

Cooperstein was released on $100,000 bail on Thursday, a day after he was suspended from the force without pay for allegedly violating department rules and regulations.

A judge will determine the severity of the criminal charges against Cooperstein.

At the time of the shooting, Cooperstein was taking prescription medications for depression and anxiety. He has said the medications ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis but didn't affect his ability to do his job.

Cooperstein has sued the city, claiming he did not receive proper accommodation for his disease, was denied promotions and was labeled a sick-time abuser.

The Blue Knight Web page includes lengthy criticisms of the sick-time policy for Pittsburgh police.
Edition: Broward Metro
Section: NATIONAL
Page: 8A
Dateline: PITTSBURGH
Record Number: 9902120854

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ARRESTED OFFICER MAY HAVE CREATED RACIST WEB PAGE