The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man seeking assistance from Best Buy’s Geek Squad was denied service and arrested after he allegedly refused to wear a face mask, and reportedly coughed, sneezed, and covered items in the store with his fluids.
Around noon on December 5, 51-year-old Alton Ashby from Palm Bay had an appointment with the Geek Squad at a nearby Best Buy store.
When Ashby arrived without a face covering, he went to an employee for service and was told that he would have to wear a mask in the store.
The person working with Ashby reportedly hailed a manager, who tried to offer the man a free mask. Ashby allegedly knocked the courtesy masks onto the ground and reportedly continued to give the manager a hard time.
The manager decided to ask a second store manager to help her, and as he approached he reportedly watched as Ashby began sneezing and coughing on the counter. Ashby allegedly walked around the home department and wiped his hands on items and shelves, and continued coughing and sneezing.
After several shoppers reportedly departed due to the ongoing incident, Alton refused requests that he depart from the store, and the employees notified the authorities.
Alton was reportedly drinking a Coke while in the establishment, and the workers said they watched as he “sprayed” the soda all around.
The man reportedly left the parking lot in a red car, and the description of the vehicle was issued to the police.
After taking statements at the store, an officer encountered a vehicle fitting the description of the alleged suspect.
The officer pulled him over, and he spoke with Alton about the situation at Best Buy.
Alton, who was placed under arrest, reportedly told the officer that he was experiencing a period of high stress in his life and that he “got carried away.”
Alton was reported as being very compliant with the arresting officer, and he was booked into the county jail and later released on a $500 bond. He is expected to face charges for disorderly conduct.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.