Jackson man pleads not guilty to shooting at insurance adjuster

A Jackson man facing charges after he allegedly fired a weapon at an insurance adjuster has pleaded not guilty.

Matthew Thomas Copen, 39, pleaded not guilty June 8 to unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The alleged incident took place March 16 in the Bella Vista subdivision.

An insurance adjuster was performing two home inspections in the area when Copen told him to leave, according to previous reports. When the adjuster left to inspect the next house, Copen chased him in his truck, firing shots as he followed him through the subdivision.

The adjuster called the sheriff's department after reaching safety.

In his probable-cause statement, Cape Girardeau County sheriff's Deputy Andrew Siebert wrote Copen said he didn't believe the adjuster was who he claimed to be, so Copen chased him from his property.

Siebert obtained a warrant and searched Copen's home, finding two handguns, ammunition, marijuana, several smoking pipes and bongs and other drug paraphernalia.

Copen is scheduled to appear in court again July 13 for a case review.

Pertinent address:

Jackson, MO