Brothers Charged with Assault following Boating Brawl

Two Anne Arundel County men were charged on Aug. 19 with multiple violations in connection with a fist fight that occurred last month aboard a boat on the Choptank River, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reported.

Asia Cooper Jr., 21, and Joel Thomas Cooper, 19, both of Crownsville, were charged with second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property in excess of $1,000, disorderly conduct and affray – fighting in public in a manner that disturbs the peace. In addition, Asia Cooper Jr. was charged with reckless operation and negligent operation.

On July 23, department officers, the U.S. Coast Guard and Cambridge Police responded to a call for help from members of the Cambridge Yacht Club, who reported that a powerboat with five passengers aboard was interfering with a sailboat race and that two men were fighting. The incident was video recorded by members of the race safety committee.

The rented powerboat sustained about $3,000 in damages. The subsequent police investigation identified both suspects.

A date has not been set in Dorchester County District Court. If found guilty of all charges, Asia Cooper Jr. could be fined as much as $6,500 and sentenced to jail. Joel Cooper could be fined as much as $5,500.