Jackson man accused of shooting near insurance adjuster

A Jackson man is facing charges after a Monday evening incident that started in the Bella Vista subdivision.

An insurance adjuster was performing two home inspections in the area when Matthew Thomas Copen, 38, told him to leave, according to a news release from the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department. When the adjuster left to go to the next house he was supposed to inspect, Copen chased him in his truck, firing shots as they drove through the subdivision, the release said.

The adjuster reached safety and called the sheriff's department for assistance.

Cape Girardeau County sheriff's Deputy Andrew Siebert said in a probable-cause statement filed in the case he "could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from Copen," especially when he spoke. The statement indicates Copen said he didn't believe the adjuster was who he claimed to be, so Copen chased him from his property.

After obtaining a search warrant, Siebert searched Copen's home and found two handguns, ammunition, a baggie of marijuana, several smoking pipes and bongs and other drug paraphernalia.

Online court records show Copen has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, a class B felony; armed criminal action, an unclassified felony; and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Copen was being held at the Cape Girardeau County Justice Center. His bond has been set at $25,000 cash only.

Pertinent address:

Bella Vista Drive, Jackson, MO