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Starbucks worker in New Jersey arrested after he allegedly spat in police officers' drinks

Posted at 9:08 AM, Jul 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-24 11:10:25-04

A Starbucks worker in New Jersey allegedly spat in police officers' drinks, officials said Tuesday.

Park Ridge officers arrested Kevin Trejo, 21, on charges of subjecting a law enforcement officer to contact with bodily fluid, knowingly tampering with a cup of coffee while knowing it was ordered by a law enforcement officer and creating a hazardous or physically dangerous condition.

In a statement, Park Ridge Police Chief Joseph Madden said Trejo was arrested after an investigation found that he spat in the drinks of officers who patronized the store where he worked.

New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Colligan called Trejo's alleged actions "outrageous."

"Every time I think we as society hit bottom, there is a new incident," Colligan said. "Officers risk their lives daily, it shouldn't be while getting coffee."

A Starbucks spokesperson said Trejo was no longer employed by the company.

"Obviously this individual's behavior was reprehensible and not at all a reflection of how our partners or employees treat our customers on a daily basis," the spokesperson said.

Starbucks is working with the police department in the investigation.

WPIX's Aliza Chasan first reported this story.