Coronavirus: Man accused of spitting on Pennsylvania supermarket employee’s face

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Police in Pennsylvania are searching for a man accused of spitting on a Giant Eagle employee’s face.

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Aisha Mariner, a manager at the store in Swissvale, told WPXI-TV that she was trying to help a customer who was arguing with a clerk over a transaction.

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Mariner said she tried to calm the customer down numerous times, but he was irate and wouldn’t stop yelling and cursing.

According to investigators, the man – who has not yet been identified – then crawled under the Plexiglas barrier and spat on the woman’s face.

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Mariner is worried, especially for her family, because her husband and mother are diabetic.

“I have to wait and wonder if I’m hurting my family,” the employee said.

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Police are investigating the incident, and Giant Eagle issued a statement:

"We thank our Edgewood Giant Eagle Team Member, and all Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo Team Members, for continuing to put their communities first during this unprecedented and uncertain time. How this Edgewood guest acted is wholly unacceptable, and his actions do not reflect the calm, positive and appreciative attitude of so many of those shopping in our stores.

“We support the efforts of local law enforcement to take every action to ensure that this individual answers for his careless and disrespectful behavior, and are working closely with our affected Team Member to provide the care she needs and deserves.”