An American woman forced a supermarket to throw out over $58,000 worth of goods after claiming she had COVID-19 and deliberately coughing and spitting inside the store.
Margaret Cirko, 35, was arrested on terrorist threat charges after playing the "twisted prank" at Gerrity's Supermarket in Pennsylvania last Wednesday.
"Today was a very challenging day," co-owner Joe Fasula wrote on the supermarket chain's Facebook page.
"A woman, who the police know to be a chronic problem in the community, came into the store and proceeded to purposely cough on our fresh produce, and a small section of our bakery, meat case, and grocery."
Fasula said Cirko threatened employees and tried to steal a 12 pack of beer when she was ordered to leave.
The store was forced to throw out all of the groceries she contaminated, which Falusa estimates to be worth "well over" NZ$58,000.
"We are checking to see if our insurance company will cover it, but even if they do, our rates will surely go up next year."
He condemned Cirka for ruining groceries at a time when many were already in low stock from COVID-19 panic buyers.
"I am also absolutely sick to my stomach about the loss of food. While it is always a shame when food is wasted, in these times when so many people are worried about the security of our food supply, it is even more disturbing."
Police believe Cirko does not have COVID-19 but said she will be tested as a precaution.
After the incident, the store was thoroughly cleaned and the produce aisle was restocked by Thursday afternoon.
"While there is little doubt this woman was doing it as a very twisted prank, we will not take any chances with the health and well-being of our customers," Fasula wrote in a Facebook post.
He said the store had received an outpouring of support from the local community since the incident.
A post detailing the events on the supermarket's Facebook page now has over 14,000 Likes, 6400 comments and 15,000 shares.
Cirko was charged with two felony counts of terrorist threats, one count of threats to use a "biological agent", one count of criminal mischief. She also faces misdemeanour counts of criminal attempt to commit retail theft and disorderly conduct.
After her arrest, the Hanover Township Police said Cirko was sent for mental health evaluation at a local hospital.
She is currently at Luzerne County Prison on bail for $50,000 and the hearing is set for April 8.
