The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following additional information in regard to the shooting on Wheeler Way which occurred earlier this date at about 3:20 a.m.

The subject who was shot is identified as 41 year old Eric Cooper. The person who shot Cooper is his step son, who is identified as 24 year old Clayton Clark. Bothe Cooper and Clark are residents of the Gardnerville Ranchos.

Investigators have established that Clark shot Cooper to end a violent assault against his mother by Cooper. This female victim, who will not be identified at this time, is married to Cooper.

The investigation at this point has established that the shooting occurred in self defense, so Clark has not been charged with a crime. The completed reports will be forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for a review of the self defense finding and a request that Eric Cooper be charged with Domestic Battery, and Battery/Simple.