Texts between suspect, negotiator during standoff

The Associated Press

Excerpts from the text exchange between Kalamazoo, Michigan, police negotiator Andres Wells and suspect Jesse Cook during a July 6, 2011, standoff. With 6 billion text messages exchanged daily in the United States, texting is becoming a more frequent part of police crisis negotiations.

WELLS, 2:14 a.m.: This doesn’t have to go down like this

WELLS, 2:15 a.m.: Do you need anything? Water? Food?

COOK, 2:16 a.m.: Water.

WELLS, 2:17 a.m.: Water is coming up. I’ll let you know when. Some guys with a shield are going to bring it up. They will not try anything. Don’t worry

COOK, 2:19 a.m.: Probably be messy if they do. I’m already nervous as (expletive).

WELLS, 2:20 a.m.: I know. Don’t worry. We don’t want this to be a mess. I’ll help you through it. I got Gatorade here. You ready?

WELLS, 2:22 a.m.: Roll the window down all the way. This guy throws like a girl. And please keep your hands visible. OK?

WELLS, 2:24 a.m.: Can you put both hands up where they can see them. So they know u wont shoot them

WELLS, 2:25 a.m.: They r scared that if you reach for the Gatorade by instinct the gun might get squeezed

WELLS, 2:25 a.m.: Can u just set it down for a sec. I promise no one will try anything

WELLS, 2:26 a.m.: They wont even get close

COOK, 2:26 a.m.: This is all I have left.

WELLS, 2:26 a.m.: I’ll help u through.

COOK, 2:29 a.m.: Thanks. He does throw like a girl.

COOK, 2:29 a.m.: : )

WELLS, 2:29 a.m.: Nice. : ) can I call u?

COOK, 2:30 a.m.: OK.

Cook surrendered 15 minutes later.

___

Source: Kalamazoo County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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