It was a delivery driver’s sharp-eye that prevented what could have been a tragic fate in Sweetwater, Texas, last Tuesday. Neil Cooper, a 42-year-old native of Snyder, Texas, found himself in the middle of a very dangerous hostage crisis. It all happened at a local motel. After being ordered a very suspicious order with a red flag about items, the driver exercised her discretion and cancelled the order, which led to Cooper being arrested.
The delivery driver experienced a horrible sense of shock when he was unexpectedly met with terrifying evidence. The trash bags, zip ties, bleach and hatchet were intended for Cooper’s motel room. Realizing that something was not right, the driver immediately called local authorities. This decision would turn out to be key, as police were able to step in before the incident became worse.
When they arrived, officers found that Cooper had retrieved a firearm and would not come out of his motel room. Afterwards it became known that he had told them in advance that he wouldn’t emerge when they did. Police were able to quickly establish communications with him. They recruited an out-of-state crisis negotiator from Texas’s Department of Public Safety to assist.
The negotiator’s efforts facilitated a peaceful resolution. Cooper eventually surrendered to police, but not before the hostage was released safely during the standoff. Authorities then booked Cooper into the Montgomery County Jail on aggravated kidnapping and illegal manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, among other charges.
The Sweetwater Police Department shared news of Cooper’s arrest in a social media post. This amazing feat makes national news headlines and has many people applauding the watchful delivery driver. Comment after comment poured in from community members thanking the driver for being so aware and doing the right thing by calling police.
“Good job [delivery] person for paying attention to the small details!!” – a social media user
“Very deserving kudos to the DoorDash delivery person for being alert and not just [walking] away.” – another user
As Cooper remains in custody awaiting legal proceedings, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in everyday situations. Undoubtedly, the driver needed crazy fast reflexes and heroic instinct to land a safe resolution. This case demonstrates the role that everyday Americans can play in preventing crime and supporting law enforcement.