Timely Intervention: Delivery Driver and Hotel Manager Rescue Hostage in Texas

A man held hostage in a Texas hotel room was saved this week, thanks to the quick thinking of a delivery driver and a vigilant hotel manager.

According to the Sweetwater Police Department, officers received a call regarding a suspicious delivery made for a man named Neil Cooper, 42, at the Sweetwater Inn shortly before noon on Monday.

Cooper had placed an order for garbage bags, zip ties, bleach, and a hatchet through a delivery app, raising concerns from the delivery driver.

This alarming combination of items prompted the driver to notify the hotel manager, who then contacted the authorities.

Upon their arrival, the police learned that Cooper had allegedly barricaded himself inside the hotel room and claimed to be armed with a gun.

The Sweetwater Police managed to establish communication as the situation unfolded. In a turn of events, the person believed to be the hostage was able to escape the room while officers discussed the circumstances with Cooper.

After initial contact, a crisis negotiator from the Texas Department of Public Safety arrived at the scene. Their efforts led to Cooper’s peaceful surrender without further violence.

As a result of this incident, Cooper now faces charges of aggravated kidnapping, alongside active warrants related to drug offenses.

Interestingly, the hostage did not initially reveal their identity to the authorities upon apprehension, raising further questions about the situation they were involved in.