A 21-year-old New Jersey man and former Starbucks employee has been arrested after being accused of spitting in law enforcement officers’ drinks.
According to NBC New York, Kevin Trejo of Westwood has been charged with subjecting a law enforcement officer to contact with bodily fluid by knowingly tampering with a cup of coffee that was ordered by an officer, therefore creating a hazardous or dangerous condition.
Police officers received a tip about a week ago that the alleged incident took place around May 25, CNN reports. After an investigation by police and the company, the vile act was confirmed.
It remains unclear how long Trejo was contaminating drinks of officers or why he targeted law enforcement. However, he has since been fired from the Starbucks location in Park Ridge.
In a statement to News 4 on Tuesday, Starbucks denounced the behavior and issued an apology to the Park Ridge Police Department.
“This individual’s behavior was reprehensible and not at all a reflection of how our partners (employees) treat our customers on a daily basis,” a Starbucks spokesperson said. “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.”
Local officers thanked the store’s management for their cooperation. Apparently, the incident appears to be isolated and only to this particular individual; however, multiple officers will get tested for COVID-19.
“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,” said Park Ridge Police Capt. Joseph Rampolla.
The president of the new Jersey Police Union also issued a statement blasting the act. “Every time I think we as society hit bottom, there is a new incident. Officers risk their lives daily; it shouldn’t be while getting coffee.”
Trejo was released from custody on Monday.
