JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE, 7/7/2020: Charges against David White were dropped on June 30, according to court records.
Original story from 3/31/2020 below:
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in Florida charged 50-year-old David White with using a hoax weapon of mass destruction after he sprayed a substance labeled “COVID-19” on the doors and entrance of a Jacksonville business, deputies said.
>> Coronavirus checklist: 100-plus disinfectants that may kill coronavirus on surfaces
JSO said White told employees and patrons of the business they were now infected with coronavirus after he sprayed the substance.
>> Coronavirus symptoms: What you need to know
#JSO has arrested a subject for a COVID-19 threat at a local business. David R. White (W/M 50) arrested after spraying an unknown substance on the entrance doors and threatening patrons with COVID-19. For more, go to: https://t.co/G6Gng67vy5 pic.twitter.com/HCH7CrVlYi
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) March 30, 2020
>> Coronavirus: Know the facts directly from the CDC
JSO’s Intelligence Unit and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the incident and identified White as the suspect.
>> Coronavirus: Can the government make you stay home if you are sick?
The business took precautionary measures to sanitize the area where White sprayed the substance.
