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Coral Springs Officer Uses Weapon During Confrontation

CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – A violent family feud got even more complicated when police showed up at a home in Coral Springs New Year's Eve.

According to investigators, a hot tempered brother made threats to officers before lunging at one with a knife.

Two brothers started fighting and police said the violent scuffle spooked other relatives enough for them to call 911.

Lieutenant Brad McKeone said, "The initial call was a domestic between two brothers, officers arrived on scene met with family members who gave them information that the brothers were involved in some type of altercation"

When officers arrived, they stated one brother had already left the house near Royal Palm Drive and N.W. 123rd Ave.  The other was still inside.  Investigators tell CBS4 News they tried to make contact with 26-year-old Alex Cohen but he didn't listen.

"At some point the individual inside the house threatened the officers to kill them and refused to come out the house," said Lt. Brad McKeone.

That's when police said an already bad situation took a turn for the worse.  Cohen suddenly charged out of the house toward an officer armed with a knife and forced an officer to draw his weapon shooting Cohen at least twice, police added.

Lt. McKeone said, "Last I was told is he was at the hospital. He had surgery last night and was in stable condition today (Wednesday)."

It's unclear what the holiday argument was over, but officers said domestic cases seem to go up around this time.

"Holidays, maybe a little more stressed involved and things do get a little out of hand, but we deal with domestics all throughout the year as the Chief said last night this is one of the most dangerous types of calls that we respond to," Lt. McKeone said.

While in the hospital police wasted no time filing charges against Cohen.  He's charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and domestic battery.   Police said they have responded to the house before for drug-related calls.

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