Arizona man disguised as a delivery driver steals 29 coronavirus testing kits from a health clinic amid widespread shortages
- Tucson police said the man was disguised as a delivery driver when he stole kits
- Authorities said he stole 29 coronavirus testing kits from El Rio Health Center
- Theft occurred Friday and workers didn’t realize kits were missing until Saturday
- Police urged anyone from public who may have information to come forward
- Stolen kits were replaced so it hasn’t affected clinic’s testing abilities at this time
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Arizona authorities are searching for man who stole more than 20 coronavirus testing kits from a health clinic.
The Tucson Police Department released images of a man who was allegedly disguised as a delivery driver when he entered the El Rio Health Center on Friday just before 8pm.
Surveillance video shows the suspect leaving in what appears to be a reddish colored Dodge Charger or similar style vehicle.
The Tucson Police Department released images of a man (left and right) who was allegedly disguised as a delivery driver when he entered the El Rio Health Center on Friday just before 8pm
Police said he was able to obtain 29 unused COVID-19 test kits (like the one above) while employees were getting ready to close for the evening
As the man walked out of the facility he was seen carrying a royal blue duffel bag.
Police said he was able to obtain 29 unused COVID-19 test kits while employees were getting ready to close for the evening.
Employees didn’t realize the kits were missing until Saturday morning and called 911.
Authorities said the man is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s, approximately 5’9 to 5’11 with a large build. He has a full dark colored beard with some graying.
According to police, the stolen test kits are essentially useless to the suspect who stole them.
‘These kits can only be tested in a private lab equipped with the proper tools for testing and reading results,’ police said in a statement.
Surveillance video shows the suspect leaving in what appears to be a reddish colored Dodge Charger or similar style vehicle (pictured)
Employees at the El Rio Health Center (pictured) didn’t realize the kits were missing until Saturday morning and called 911
Police said the stolen kits have been replaced so it has not affected the clinic’s testing abilities at this time.
‘It has however taken 29 testing kits out of the medical field for needed testing in the future,’ police said.
Authorities warned the public to not buy kits from anyone claiming to have coronavirus test kits or COVID-19 test kits because there are currently no home test kits for the virus.
Coronavirus testing kits are already short supply in the US where the virus has infected more than 30,000 people and killed 386.
Anyone with possible information about who this suspect may be is asked to call 88-CRIME.