Quick-thinking delivery app driver saves hostage’s life after receiving bizarre order
Police responded to the Sweetwater Inn Monday after receiving a call about a suspicious delivery. Google
A quick-thinking delivery driver and a watchful hotel manager helped Texas police rescue a hostage from a Sweetwater motel room earlier this week.
Sweetwater police said they were called to the Sweetwater Inn around noon on Monday after a delivery driver grew concerned about an unusual order placed by guest Neil Cooper, 42. According to investigators, Cooper had requested garbage bags, zip ties, bleach, and a hatchet through a delivery app. The driver reported the troubling purchase to the hotel manager, who then alerted police.
When officers arrived, Cooper allegedly barricaded himself inside a room and claimed he was armed. As negotiators worked to make contact, a person believed to be held hostage managed to slip out safely. A crisis negotiator with the Texas Department of Public Safety later persuaded Cooper to surrender peacefully.
Cooper was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping. Authorities also noted he had outstanding drug-related warrants.
But in an unusual turn, the supposed hostage was also taken into custody. Police said the individual, whose name was not released, had an active warrant as well and refused to provide their identity to officers.
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