Four Howell Officers, Civilians, Exposed to Shoplifter Who Knew He Was COVID-Positive
Yesterday at approximately 2 pm, Howell Police Communications received a report of a shoplifting in progress at Lowe’s.
Upon their arrival, patrol officers were met by civilians who had detained three suspects who attempted to steal over $2000 worth of power tools. Lowe’s security had been made aware of the three after they recently targeted other stores.
All three subjects were arrested, secured in patrol cars and transported to headquarters.
While enroute, it was learned by admission one of the suspects was positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Due to the trio having been together for an extended period of time during their stealing spree, including being in the same vehicle, it was assumed all three were positive.
By that time, four Howell officers were being treated for exposure. All three were inside the store without taking any type of precautions to protect others. The civilians who assisted now have to worry as well.
If not for privacy rights under HIPPA, their names would be announced. Normally, we would have publicly shamed them for their criminal and highly negligent behavior.
All three were charged with 3rd degree theft and released from headquarters.
“This is another example why it is so important to abide by the ‘Stay at Home’ order. If you need to go out, wear some sort of approved respiratory mask or facial covering. There are some out there like these three who don’t care about how their conduct affects you. Even if it results in you becoming seriously ill.” -Chief Kudrick
The four officers have been placed on administrative leave and must abide by quarantine procedures. They will be out at least a week and pending tests results.
They should be shamed! Where can I find recent release records… ????
And….RELEASED…SMH
Beckie Golden
What an asshole ..wonder if his robbery helpers knew he was positive.
I’ve lost all faith in humanity.
HIPAA
he probably had weapons of mass destruction on his as well
POS
This is BS! Anyone who goes out in public knowing they have this should have a serious consequence such as mandatory jail time once they have recovered!
Laurie Anne oh they are being arrested
Noelle Smith Good. So sick of these inconsiderate idiots.
Laurie Anne they should have to recover in jail !!
Gail Fattaruso bringing the virus into prisons is asking for an outbreak.
Gail Fattaruso I wouldn’t want other people to catch it. Wait until they are well and off to jail they go.
Laurie Anne that’s a threat , they should be arrested
We are ducking doomed
Why in God’s good name were they released .. they should be held for attempted Homicide !!!!!!
But does he?
It’s like assault if you knowingly ecpose others
Probably was at Walmart too????
That’s a murder charge.
Lock him up !!!! Assault
Peter Destefano
I don’t understand why they weren’t arrested
Yeah and best part is certain Lowe’s stores aren’t monitoring the amount of people allowed in their stores at one time.100+ people in the store at one time.
Matt Talalay 100 people in a 120,000 square foot store still allows far more than 6 feet between people, you fucking dumbass.
Matt Talalay good. Home Depot is annoying with that garbage. It’s a huge store with huge aisles if you can’t manage to shop without being on top of someone else than you shouldn’t be allowed to adult at all.
There’s no way 100 people should be allowed in any store at once right now. Stay home morons..
Like why do you even need to go to Lowe’s. Can’t fucking eat wood.
Ben Costelloe we do sell some sort of essential products such as cleaning, toilet paper, paper towels dish soaps stuff like that but we are dangerously low on all of that as soon as it comes in it’s gone
Shh don’t tell everyone they sel paper towels lol. Expensive shop ones but better than nothing.
Are you surprised
Sue McKelvey
This is why this shit isnt gpong to go away too many people not caring, they only care bout themselves not everyone else this is affecting
Yeah FYI HIPAA means absolutely nothing outside the medical field. You have an obligation to shame them. They are criminals first. It’s no different than someone going around sticking people with their used needles or flicking their blood at them knowing they are HIV positive. Their diagnosis does NOT protect their identity.
Of course he would.
4 officers out of work to quarantine. If this happens a a couple more times, they’ll be no police left.
They should be taking precautions. Treat everyone as IF they have the virus
Test them to make sure they dont have it then throw them in jail so they get it .
You can name them. Those privacy laws don’t apply here. You’re not a medical professional involved in their care.
Niki Glidden Kraemer exactly!!
I’ve read somewhere when a person who knows they have COVID is not self quarantine they’ll be charged with homicide. Not a bad idea for NJ
They should have been charged with attempted murder
Get their mugs shots and shame them that way also people will not go near them
I thought it took 14 days for you to get the virus? So why are the cops only out for a week?
Gloria MacKenzie it takes about a week to get the test results back that’s
Usually they’re kept out for 2 weeks I know that’s how it is with Barnegat PD
Fawn Michonski
Reggie ????????
The POS should be charged with that alone putting officers in that situation is absolutely wrong.
Joe Faronea
John Delia, Robert Larkin
ok, I have a question. Really, NOT being sarcastic. If this guy HAS the virus, how is it he is walking around??? I thought you were EXTREMELY sick if you had the virus. and I thought the police WORE gloves and masks because of this… I cant believe these assholes are getting away with the attempted robbery with nothing other than a fine…
Kathi Siebern Hummell everyone reacts differently. He could have a very mild case.
Andrea Marie but dont you have to be tested to know if you have it? and dont they quarentee you then? or is it self quarentee
He was probably lying thinking they’d let him go.
Kait Toni Ann also possible…and they did let him go. Wasnt put in jail..
Kait Toni Ann that’s what I’m thinking
I know I don’t have the virus – because I stay home. Precisely to avoid psychos who have zero regard for the health of others –
Or a twisted dream of inflicting a death wish on anyone they can.
There’s no shortage of these feckless dolts, either.
Trust no one with your health, or the health of your family and friends.
Do ever single thing you possibly can to ensure your life, and those you love.
What a SCUMBAG. This is why people SUCK
should have put him down ????♂️ like a sick animal