SWAT Team Diffuses Standoff While Delivering Pizza To Gunman

(From The Associated Press)

A man's hunger for pizza helped diffuse an armed standoff, according to authorities.

Somerset County (New Jersey) SWAT team members were able to arrest JEFFREY S. COPE, 37, on Friday evening while delivering him the pizza he has requested, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Franklin Township police had arrived after receiving a call at about 6 pm from Cope's mother, who said her son was holding a young woman hostage in their home with multiple firearms, prosecutors said.

Police, according to prosecutors, would later hear from witnesses about how Cope struggled with his father over a handgun, ordered his father to open a safe and shot up phones in the house. As his parents escaped from the house, Cope shot after his mother.

By the time police arrived, Cope was armed with at least three handguns as he held his 18-year-old girlfriend hostage. Besides holding SIOBHAN BERGER against her will, Cope was threatening to kill himself, according to prosecutors.

Local police called in county SWAT team members and negotiators.

By about 9 pm, Cope was complaining he was hungry. Negotiators persuaded him to allow them to bring him a pizza. SWAT team members entered the house with the pizza and were able to get between Berger and Cope before arresting Cope.

Cope was charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and threat to kill.

Tim Harmon, thanks for the post.

[The oldest trick in the book.]