HESSTON, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas couple who authorities said repeatedly coughed on people and claimed the man had contracted the coronavirus while shopping at a Walmart have been charged with felonies.
Another customer used her cellphone to record Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, creating the disturbance April 6 ant a Walmart in Newton.
Hamrick was charged Thursday with two counts of criminal threat. while Williams was charged with two counts of aiding and abetting criminal threat. They also both face a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.
Harvey County authorities said in a news release Thursday the couple’s antics were an attempt to cause fear for store employees and customers, The Wichita Eagle reported.
Both suspects posted a $5,000 bond and are scheduled to make their first court appearance on June 2.
Hamrick told The Eagle she and Williams didn’t consider whether their comments would frighten people in the store. Williams claimed he never coughed on anyone.
She said she feels like a “complete fool about this situation, but I guess stuff happens, and there are consequences.”
“I can’t turn back time. I can’t turn back the clock. I just really feel bad.”
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