The owners of a Western-style steakhouse in Wyoming got into a confrontation with tourists that authorities say escalated to death threats and a serious assault on a police officer.
Married couple Randel and Courtney Hooper have run Cassie's Steakhouse in Cody since 2022, but their peaceful stint as restaurant owners came to an abrupt end Wednesday when a Florida couple visited, Cowboy State Daily reported.
After Courtney Hooper, 42, claimed the customers were upset with their service and threatened to kill her, both Hoopers followed them back to the nearby Big Bear Motel to make threats of their own.
Officers on the scene from the Cody Police Department said Courtney Hooper threatened to shoot a man filming her multiple times, adding that her husband hurled profanity-laced fighting words as well.
The Hoopers were arrested back at Cassie's a short time later, where Randel Hooper allegedly kickedCody Police Officer Daniel Villalobos in the head so hard he had to go to the hospital for his injuries.
Courtney Hooper, left, and Randel Hooper own Cassie's Steakhouse in Cody, Wyoming. After she was allegedly threatened by a Florida couple in the restaurant, Randel Hooper chased the Floridians down as they walked back to their motel, according to police
For the alleged assault onVillalobos, Randel Hooper, 56, was charged with a felony and could face 10 years in prison plus $10,000 in fines.
Both Hoopers are facing multiple misdemeanor charges related to this incident and have been released on bond.
This saga officially began on Wednesday at 8:47pm when Cody police officers received a disturbance call originating from Cassie's,according to a charging affidavit written by Officer Villalobos.
Cassie's became a fixture in Cody during the 1940s and was bought by the Hoopers in 2022. It has a deep history and has a Western decor inside and out, making it a popular stop-off for tourists.
When Villalobos arrived, Courtney Hooper told him that a couple from Florida 'stated they would kill her because they waited for over an hour and a half to be seated,' according to the affidavit obtained by Powell Tribune.
She also recalled the couple saying 'they would kill her if she got in their face.'
The alleged threats against his wife are what prompted Randel Hooper to chase down the man and woman who'd left Cassie's in a huff to go back to Big Bear Motel.
The affidavit also claims that once tensions seemed to be subsiding between all parties involved, Randel Hooper yelled a death threat within earshot of the officers.
'You better f***ing arrest them or I’ll be back and I’ll f***ing kill them,' he allegedly yelled toVillalobos.
Cassie's Steakhouse became a fixture in Cody during the 1940s and was bought by the Hoopers in 2022. It has a deep history and has a Western decor inside and out, making it popular with tourists
Pictured: The interior of Cassie's Steakhouse, which has a stage for live music
At Courtney Hooper's request, officers on the scene told the Floridians they were no longer welcome at Cassie's and soon after, everyone parted ways, according to the affidavit.
Normally, that would be where this ends, but the police were dispatched to the motel less than an hour later on reports that the Hoopers were there causing a ruckus.
The Hoopers drove to Big Bear Motel and allegedly confronted the Florida couple's male traveling companion. The man reportedly told them to leave and began recording, sending Courtney Hooper into a rage.
In the video, she allegedly tells the man recording her that if he didn't stop, she would shoot him. Officers say they watched this video and confirmed these deadly threats.
Meanwhile, Randel Hooper was alleged to have said 'You better f***ing leave Cody or else.'
Randel Hooper is accused of assaultingVillalobos a short time later while he and his wife were getting arrested back at Cassie's.
While Courtney Hooper submitted without incident, Randel Hooper 'actively resisted arrest' and began 'grappling' with Officer Tom Wilshusen in the restaurant parking lot, according to the affidavit.
Courtney Hooper is alleged to have threatened to shoot the Florida couple's traveling companion because he was recording her. Randel Hooper allegedly told them they 'better f***ing leave Cody or else'
Villalobos wrote that he got control of Hooper's legs, causing him andWilshusen to fall to the ground.
During that struggle, Hooper kickedVillalobos in the head, which caused bleeding at the top of his head and on his elbow.
There wasn't any evidence that the Hoopers were intoxicated,Park County Deputy Attorney Jack Hatfield said during a Friday morning arraignment.
The Hoopers were in jail until that arraignment, where it was also revealed that Randel Hooper had resisted an officer in 2004 in Utah.
His wife had no criminal history, butHatfield was just as unnerved by her conduct, saying he was 'very concerned about [her] making threats to kill people on two separate occasions within about an hour.'
Park County Circuit Court Judge Joey Darrah set Randel Hooper’s bond at $5,000 cash or surety, and Courtney Hooper’s at $2,500 cash or surety, rejecting the defense's plea to let the couple go on signature bonds.
Signature bonds ensures that the defendant doesn't have to pay a monetary amount toward bail.
Randel Hooper's first court date was set for June 28, while his wife's trial will kick off on November 14.
While out on bond, the Hoopers have been ordered to stay away from the Big Bear Motel and have no contact with the couple they allegedly threatened to kill.
