Transcript
Grocery stores are deemed essential businesses and can continue to operate during the coronavirus pandemic.
However many stores across the country are experiencing similar incidents of people intentionally contaminating store items by coughing on or licking them.
Police in California arrested this woman, 53-year-old Jennifer Walker, and accused her of licking $1,800 worth of merchandise at the grocery store.
Walker is being charged with felony vandalism after South Lake Tahoe police say she licked several pieces of jewelry at Safeway.
She then loaded them in her shopping cart with other items.
Police say Walker had no intention of purchasing any of the merchandise which are all now unsellable because of cross-contamination.
Walker was booked into the El Dorado County jail with the bail set at $10,000.
Authorities have not said if Walker is infected with coronavirus.
However federal officials say they will take threats of spreading coronavirus seriously.
The Justice Department said that people who intentionally spread the virus could be charged with terrorism.
Posted – 4.12.20