Randel and Courtney Hooper, proprietors of Cassie’s Steakhouse in Cody, have had a turbulent tenure since taking over in 2022, which reached a crescendo when a couple from Florida visited on Wednesday.
According to Cowboy Stands Daily, Courtney Hooper, 42, alleged that the customers became irate over service delays and threatened her life, prompting both Hoopers to follow them to nearby Big Bear Motel to issue their own threats.
Responding Cody Police Department officers reported that Courtney Hooper threatened to shoot a man who had filmed her multiple times, with her husband also engaging in heated verbal exchanges laced with profanity.
Shortly after, the Hoopers were apprehended at Cassie’s, where Randel Hooper, 56, allegedly kicked Officer Daniel Villalobos in the head severely enough to require hospitalization.
Facing multiple misdemeanor charges, Randel Hooper potentially faces up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine for his assault on Villalobos. Both defendants have been released on bail following the incident, which began with a disturbance call at Cassie’s around 8:47 p.m. and escalated into further altercations at the motel later that evening.
Cassie’s, a Cody fixture since the 1940s, has historical significance and western-themed décor that attracts tourists. Courtney Hooper recounted to officers that the Florida couple had threatened her life after a lengthy wait for seating, uttering threats such as, “They would kill her if she confronted them.”
The altercation continued as Randel Hooper pursued the couple back to the motel, where tensions momentarily subsided before escalating again. According to reports, he allegedly shouted a death threat in the presence of officers, demanding their arrest or threatening to take matters into his own hands. Subsequently, officers instructed the Floridians to leave Cassie’s premises, but a subsequent disturbance call led police back to the motel where the Hoopers were reportedly causing a ruckus.
Upon arrival, the Hoopers confronted the Florida couple’s male companion, who began recording the encounter. Courtney Hooper, visibly agitated, threatened to shoot the man if he didn’t cease recording. In the midst of the chaos, Randel Hooper allegedly warned, “You better leave Cody or else.”
As officers attempted to arrest them at Cassie’s, Courtney Hooper cooperated while Randel Hooper resisted, prompting a struggle with Officer Tom Wilshusen in the parking lot. During the scuffle, Randel kicked Officer Villalobos in the head, causing injuries that required medical attention.
Deputy Attorney Jack Hatfield stated during the arraignment that there was no evidence of intoxication. Despite Randel Hooper’s history of resisting an officer in Utah in 2004, Courtney Hooper had no prior criminal record. Judge Joey Darrah set Randel Hooper’s bail at $5,000 cash or surety and Courtney Hooper’s at $2,500 cash or surety, denying the defense’s request for signature bonds.
Randel Hooper’s trial was scheduled for June 28, with his wife’s trial set for November 14. Both defendants were ordered to avoid the Big Bear Motel and refrain from contacting the Florida couple they allegedly threatened.
