Plano police officer shoots, kills suspect holding hostage La Quinta Inn employee

by PegNews wire

On January 13, 2009 at approximately 11:15 a.m., Plano police officers responded to a 911 Welfare Concern at the La Quinta Inn and Suites located in the 1800 block of Central Expressway.

Upon officers' arrival, a middle-aged, white male was observed holding a hotel employee at knife-point. An officer entered through the front door of the location and ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. After the suspect refused to comply with the officer’s commands, the officer fired his service weapon striking the suspect and freeing the hostage.

The suspect was transported to a local area hospital with serious injuries and pronounced deceased a short time later. The deceased male has been identified as Joseph Randall Cupit, a 53-year old white male whose last known residence was in Plano. Neither the officer nor employee of the hotel sustained any injuries in this incident.

The officer involved in this incident is a 24-year veteran with the Plano Police Department. Consistent with departmental policy, the shooting is being investigated by the Plano Police Department and the Officer involved will be placed on administrative leave with pay.

This investigation is currently on-going.

Source: Plano Police Department