Starbucks employee spit in cops’ drinks, Park Ridge police say

An staff at a Park Ridge Starbucks was billed with spitting in the beverages of police officers, authorities stated.

Kevin Trejo, 21, of Westwood was arrested on Monday following an investigation located that he spit in the beverages of officers who patronized the shop, Park Ridge Police Capt. Joseph Rampolla mentioned.

“Under the present COVID danger, it is extremely disturbing to think that another person would intentionally spit in your drink,” Rampolla mentioned.

It was not acknowledged how quite a few occasions Trejo allegedly spit in beverages or to how quite a few officers.

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A Starbucks spokesperson termed Trejo’s steps “reprehensible” and stated that he is no for a longer time utilized by the organization.

“We will continue on to assistance Park Ridge Police in their investigation and have a deep respect for the Park Ridge Police Section and the officers who support preserve our partners and communities risk-free,” the spokesperson informed NorthJersey.com.

The Park Ridge area of the common espresso chain has historically experienced an amicable marriage with nearby law enforcement, Rampolla reported, hosting various “Espresso with a Cop” occasions.

“We imagine this was an isolated act but it does not eliminate the shock and disgust that our officers feel,” Rampolla reported.

Trejo’s charges consist of subjecting a legislation enforcement officer to bodily fluid, purposely tampering with a legislation enforcement officer’s drink and producing a hazardous natural environment.

The arrest arrives at a time of elevated tension concerning law enforcement and some members of the local community subsequent weeks of rallies for police reform in New Jersey and by means of the nation.

“Officers risk their lives day-to-day, it shouldn’t be when obtaining espresso,” Patrick Colligan, president of the New Jersey Condition Policemen’s Benevolent Affiliation, mentioned in a assertion.

Tale carries on

Rampolla reported the office is operating to get officers who had been possibly uncovered examined for COVID-19, though police do not but know how quite a few officers that could be.

Anthony Zurita is a breaking information reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unrestricted entry to all the main information going on in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking information immediately to your inbox, sign up for our publication.

E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita

This report originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Park Ridge NJ: Starbucks staff spit in law enforcement officers’ drinks