Man who gave Walmart shoppers ‘COVID hugs’ wanted by police

After hugging his victims, the suspect laughed and walked away.

The suspect is seen here on security camera footage (via Social Media).

Around 7:15 p.m. on August 15, Walmart shoppers, including a cancer survivor, were given unsolicited hugs from a man who claimed to be infected with coronavirus.

According to Springfield police, an unidentified man approached a customer in Walmart on Boston Road in Springfield, Massachusetts, took an item from the customer’s hand before giving him a hug and then announcing: “Just giving you a COVID hug. You now have COVID.”

READ MORE: Hearing postponed in viral arrest of Black man riding bike in Walmart

After his grim announcement, the suspect laughed and walked away.

According to police, the identity of the suspect was unknown to the victim, who is a cancer survivor. They added that the suspect had accosted others, making physical contact with multiple shoppers before exiting the store.

As reported by Newsweek, this isn’t the first time that people claiming to have the virus have deliberately tried to infect others. Last month, a couple was arrested after refusing to wear face masks at a Walmart in Yuma, Arizona. After arguing with Walmart employees, the couple allegedly coughed on them before trying to flee the store.

Shoppers walk in the parking lot of a Walmart on August 1, 2020 in El Paso, Texas. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Another incident took place in March at a Walmart in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two men wearing hazmat suits entered the store and began spraying customers with a clear liquid that was later confirmed to be water. When police tracked down the men, they were told the perpetrators had hoped the incident would bring them notoriety on social media.

READ MORE: Black men told to leave Walmart for wearing masks

Back in April, after allegedly coughing on Walmart shoppers and then broadcasting that he was infected with COVID-19, a Tennessee man was charged with violating the terrorism hoax act. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to 120 days in jail and three years of probation.

The Springfield Police Detective Bureau is seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved in the Springfield, Massachusetts incident. Contact the Detective Bureau at 413-787-6355 or anonymously Text-A-Tip. Text CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) type SOLVE and give your tip.

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