DoorDash driver saves hostage after delivering ‘suspicious order’ to Texas motel room

A DoorDash delivery driver’s quick thinking helped save a person being held hostage at a Texas motel after the driver became suspicious about the items being delivered. The incident occurred at the Sweetwater Inn on Georgia Avenue in Sweetwater, Texas, on Monday morning around 11:30 a.m.

Police responded to the motel after receiving a call from the delivery driver who had just completed a drop-off to one of the rooms. According to witnesses, the order included unusual items that raised red flags for the driver.

According to KTAB and KRBC, the driver became concerned after delivering what witnesses described as a “suspicious order” containing trash bags, zip ties, bleach, and a hatchet to room at the motel. While police have not officially confirmed the exact contents of the delivery, multiple witnesses reported these items were part of the order that prompted the driver to contact authorities.

Neil Cooper arrested after standoff with police

When officers arrived at the Sweetwater Inn, they discovered that 42-year-old Neil Cooper from Snyder, Texas had barricaded himself inside the motel room. Cooper claimed he was armed and refused to exit when police tried to communicate with him.

Police also learned that someone was being held inside the room against their will. During the tense situation, the person being held hostage managed to escape from the room safely before Cooper surrendered to authorities. This incident represents another case where everyday people have helped prevent potential crimes.

A crisis negotiator from the Texas Department of Public Safety was brought in to help resolve the situation. The negotiator successfully convinced Cooper to surrender peacefully, ending the standoff without violence. Cooper now faces charges of aggravated kidnapping along with drug-related charges. He was also arrested on two active warrants from Snyder for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

The person who was held hostage was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for similar drug charges and failure to identify, according to the Sweetwater Police Department. The identity of the hostage has not been released by authorities. This incident highlights how everyday citizens can play an important role in preventing potential crimes. 

The DoorDash driver’s decision to report the suspicious delivery likely prevented a more serious situation from developing, showing that delivery drivers sometimes find themselves in unexpected situations. Police have praised the driver’s alertness and quick action in contacting authorities when something seemed wrong with the delivery.