A quick-thinking DoorDash driver in Texas may have prevented a tragedy after dropping off a suspicious order at a Sweetwater motel.
DoorDash driver saves the day
Authorities reported that a DoorDash driver contacted police around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, after completing a delivery at the Sweetwater Inn on Georgia Avenue.
Officers stated that the call came in after the driver grew concerned about what he had just delivered, though they declined to reveal the exact items.
Witnesses later told local news outlets that the order allegedly contained tools to commit a life-ending crime, including trash bags, zip ties, bleach, and even a hatchet.
When police officers reached the motel, they discovered a hostage trapped inside the room of suspect Neil Cooper, 42.
The alleged victim was rescued but quickly taken into custody after authorities revealed the person had an outstanding warrant.
Officials said the incident turned into a brief standoff that drew in both Sweetwater Police and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“While officers worked to establish communication, the individual believed to be a hostage was able to safely escape the motel room,” Sweetwater Police explained in a statement.
“A crisis negotiator from the Texas Department of Public Safety arrived on scene and successfully negotiated Cooper’s peaceful surrender.”
Cooper now faces charges of aggravated kidnapping and was also wanted for drug-related offenses, police added.
The hostage, who has not been publicly named, was arrested on their own warrant and accused of refusing to identify themselves to investigators.
Hundreds of miles away, another DoorDash-related case left a Canadian family devastated when a tourist was killed while celebrating a golf trip in Wisconsin.
DoorDash driver allegedly kills man in drive-by shooting
Authorities in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, said 32-year-old Giovanni Michael “Mike” Robinson was fatally shot just after midnight last Wednesday.
Robinson, who had recently become a father, was in town from Ontario, Canada, and was returning to his hotel with his brother-in-law when the deadly drive-by unfolded.
Police arrested 35-year-old Luis Cruz Burgos, a DoorDash driver, in connection with the killing. He has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide.
Robinson and his group had reportedly taken an Uber to a local watering hole and were seeking a ride back to their hotel when they encountered Cruz Burgos.
Witnesses told investigators they tried to offer him cash for the ride, but he allegedly demanded more money. When negotiations fell through, the group walked away.
Moments later, witnesses said a car passed by and loud pops echoed through the night.
Robinson cried out and collapsed as the vehicle sped off. An autopsy revealed he had been shot in the chest and died at the scene.
Surveillance footage captured the group speaking with a man in a black SUV, then leaving after what appeared to be a disagreement over money.
Police later spotted a vehicle matching the suspect’s car registered to Cruz Burgos.
Additional footage allegedly showed a similar SUV speeding near the crime scene.
When questioned, Cruz Burgos admitted working for DoorDash for nine months.
He told police Robinson’s group waived him down and that tensions escalated after they insulted him, calling him “stupid” and flipping him off.
He denied firing a weapon and claimed he had no firearms due to restrictions tied to a 2019 domestic case in Florida.
Suspect held on $2M bail
Cruz Burgos made his first court appearance Monday. Prosecutors pushed for a $2 million cash bond, which Court Commissioner Ryan O’Rourke granted.
“Allegations set forth in the complaint demonstrate an extremely violent, senseless act by this defendant,” District Attorney Joel Urmanski stated.
Defense attorney Mitchell LaCombe urged the court to consider house arrest instead, saying, “In order to try to mitigate any public safety concerns the court has, I will, however, ask that the defendant be placed under house arrest.”
Other than a restraining order from 2019, Cruz Burgos has no other known criminal history, attorneys on both sides acknowledged. He remains behind bars pending trial.
