UPDATE: Tucson Police have identified the man and the test kits have been returned to the healthcare center. We have removed the original photo with this article as the man is no longer a suspect. COVID-19 Test Kits Not Stolen, Returned To Tucson Health Clinic
TUCSON – The Tucson Police are looking for a man who they say stole 29 COVID-19 test kits Friday from a health clinic in Tucson.
According to Tucson Police, on Friday March 20, 2020, just before 8:00 p.m., the man was disguised as a delivery driver when he entered the El Rio Health Center. He was able to take the unused COVID-19 test kits while employees were getting ready to close for the evening.
On Saturday morning, employees noticed the missing kits and called 911.
The man is described as:
● Hispanic male in his 30’s
● Approximately 5’9 to 5’11 with a large build
● He has a full dark colored beard with some graying
A surveillance camera captured the man leaving in what appears to be a reddish colored Dodge Charger or similar style vehicle.
Tucson Police are asking anyone with possible information about who the man may be is asked to call 88-CRIME. You can remain anonymous.
Tucson Police want you to know:
The stolen test kits are essenially 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.
-Thankfully, the stolen kits have already 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.
-Do not buy kits from anyone claiming to have Corona Virus Test Kits or COVID-19 Test Kits. It is a scam! There are currently no home test kits for the virus.
-Contact law enforcement immediately if you encounter anyone trying to sell these types of kits.
-For up to date information about the Corona Virus, please visit the Pima County Health Department’s website at webcms.pima.gov or the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov