When a man who claimed he might have COVID-19 was caught allegedly coughing on food and goods at Walmart, he was arrested and charged with felonies for the accusation.
On the evening of July 19, a man reportedly entered a Walmart in Spartanburg, South Carolina with the purported intent of returning items he purchased at a different location.
The man was reportedly told that the store would not be able to complete the transaction for him, and he was allegedly highly dissatisfied with the decision.
While other patrons were shopping in the store, the man, who reportedly was not wearing a face mask, allegedly started pushing a cart around the establishment while coughing on the items on the shelves and displays as he walked past them.
Someone in the vicinity of the suspect noticed what was taking place and began to record the incident with their cell phone, and when the police were notified they reviewed the material.
The suspect, who was allegedly unmasked against Walmart’s mandatory face mask rule, was identified as 39-year-old Kyle Arendell.
On July 23, a warrant was issued, and deputies located Arendell.
While speaking with him, the authorities reported that Arendell told them that he believes he has COVID-19, but at this time they have not received confirmation from a credible medical source.
Arendell was arrested by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and he is facing charges for suspicion of felony aggravated breach of peace, and felony malicious injury to property valued less than $2,000.
He is being held in lieu of a $6,000 bond.
Walmart issued a statement assuring that they would be forced to toss the tainted merchandise so they would not chance the risk to the health and safety of the public.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.