Copp raided over 1/8 ounce of pot

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Derek Copp sold an undercover officer 3.3 grams of marijuana -- about one-eighth of an ounce -- shortly before drug officers raided his apartment and shot him, according to court records obtained today by 24 Hour News 8.

The $60 deal -- on March 11, the day he was shot -- is what led to the warrant issued today against Copp on a charge of delivery of marijuana. His roommate, Conor Bardallis, also was charged with marijuana delivery for allegedly selling an undercover officer 3 grams (one-tenth of an ounce) for $50. That purchase was made on Feb. 9, a state police lieutenant testified today in Grand Haven District Court.

The warrants -- signed today by Grand Haven District Judge Edward R. Post -- were obtained without mention of any evidence discovered during the raid that led to Copp's shooting by Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Huizenga, who was working on the West Michigan Enforcement Team.

Today, a short time after the warrants were issued, Copp and two friends sat next to a pond behind his off-campus apartment. Copp played the guitar, while his friends waded into the water.

Copp said he was aware of the felony warrant but preferred to spend the day relaxing. He didn't want to discuss the allegations, but told 24 Hour News 8 that "marijuana should not lead to violence."

Copp is expected to turn himself in for arraignment on April 22 at Hudsonville District Court.

On Monday, Huizenga was charged with careless discharge of a firearm causing injury in the shooting. He could face up to two years in prison and the loss of his job.

Copp and Bardallis could face up to four years in prison if convicted as charged.

Huizenga was entering the rear sliding glass door of Copp's lower-level apartment when he fired the shot. Prosecutors say he mistakenly had his finger on the trigger, instead of the trigger lock, which led to the shooting. Copp was at the door, pulling open the curtain, when the shot was fired.

The bullet struck Derek Copp in the right upper chest. It broke ribs, punctured a lung and pierced his liver. He was released from a hospital after about a week, returned to school, and then hospitalized with lung problems.