A 21-year-old man who worked at a Starbucks in Park Ridge, New Jersey, has been arrested for allegedly spitting in the drinks of police officers. Officials charged Kevin Trejo with subjecting a law enforcement officer to contact with bodily fluid, knowingly tampering with a cup of coffee knowing it was ordered by a law enforcement officer, and creating a hazardous or physically dangerous condition.
Officers received a tip last week and launched an investigation. They did not say how many officers may have been victimized or how long Trejo had been spitting in their drinks. Officials have not said what motivated Trejo to spit in the officers' drinks.
"Under the current COVID threat, it is extremely disturbing to think that someone would intentionally spit in your drink," Park Ridge Police Capt. Joseph Rampolla said.
Multiple officers with the Park Ridge Police Department are getting tested for the coronavirus as a precaution.
"Our concern is our officers' safety. It's still hard to identify specifically which officers may have been exposed. So we're gonna have to work out getting them tested," Rampolla added.
Trejo was fired by Starbucks after they learned about the allegations against him.
"We have apologized to the Park Ridge Police Department. We want everyone who comes into our stores to receive a positive experience, and when that doesn't occur, we move quickly to address it and hold ourselves accountable. We will continue to support Park Ridge Police in their investigation and have a deep respect for the Park Ridge Police Department and the officers who help keep our partners and communities safe," a Starbucks spokesperson said.
Photo: Park Ridge Police Department