Murder suspect arrested after foot chase

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 29, 2012

By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Authorities have arrested a China Grove teen wanted for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 17-year-old Daniel Cooper.
Damarick Lamar Harper, also 17, was caught Monday night after a short foot chase along U.S. 29 near the Employment Securities Commission building, said Sgt. J.M. Robertson of the Salisbury Police Department.
Harper was one of three at the scene when Cooper was shot in the neck on Monday while a passenger in a car on Snow Street.
Police identified Darius Jamal Smotherson, 19, of Glendale Avenue, as a suspect and obtained a murder warrant for his arrest.
As of late Monday, Smotherson has not been arrested, according to the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s website.
Authorities obtained warrants for Harper on charges of felony robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Robertson said Harper’s family was on their way with him in a car to turn himself in when he jumped from the vehicle somewhere near the ramp to Jake Alexander Boulevard at about 6:50 p.m.
He was arrested a short time later after he jumped a fence along U.S. 29.
Kannapolis Police was notified and have since maintained custody of Harper.
A third unnamed suspect has not been arrested.
See Tuesday’s Post for more details.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.