Woman accused of coughing on store’s food jailed, charged with terroristic threats

Police on Thursday charged a Pennsylvania woman with making terroristic threats after she coughed on grocery store food while claiming to be sick.

Margaret Cirko, 35, allegedly “intentionally contaminated” grocery items by coughing and spitting on them, claiming to be sick while attempting to steal a pack of beer, according to the Hanover Township Police Department.

Police have charged Margaret Cirko, 35, with making terroristic threats after they say she claimed to have #coronavirus & intentionally coughed/spit on food in grocery store. Store threw out $35,000+ of product ⁦@69News⁩ pic.twitter.com/vppZBdEh0S

— Emma Wright (@wright_emma) March 26, 2020

The incident resulted in the store disposing of $35,000 worth of produce, meat and other essential items.

“Today was a very challenging day,” Joe Fasula, co-owner of the store, wrote in a Facebook post. “While there is little doubt this woman was doing it as a very twisted prank, we will not take any chances with the health and well-being of our customers.”

Local authorities said in a statement that Cirko was charged with two felony counts of terroristic threats using a biological agent, one count of criminal mischief, and misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and attempted retail theft.

Cirko was sent to a mental health hospital to be evaluated after her arrest.

She was placed in Luzerne County Prison on $50,000 bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing for April 8.