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North Carolina man arrested, accused of coughing on fellow store customer

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BELMONT, N.C. — Police in North Carolina have arrested a man they accuse of coughing at a customers at a Walmart store and saying he had COVID-19.

The Gaston Gazette reports that Robert Eugene Heffner, 26, of Belmont, was arrested on Friday night.

The newspaper cites arrest warrants stating that Heffner “purposely coughed at a customer” and said he had coronavirus.

The warrant warns that his actions could cause fear among the public.

Online jail records show that Heffner was charged with misdemeanor counts of a public health violation and failure to comply.

Jail records didn't list whether he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.