GTA man reportedly coughs on money, wishes teen cashier gets coronavirus

A Markham man has been charged after he reportedly coughed on money intentionally and wished COVID-19 on a teenaged store employee.

York Regional Police say that on Sunday, April 12, a man made a purchase at a convenience store located at 6605 Highway 7 East.

During the transaction, a 17-year-old store employee reportedly asked the man to step back from the counter in order to maintain physical distancing.

The store had taped off lines on the floor where they were requesting patrons to stand during transactions, as per health recommendations.

The man became upset with the request, police say, and intentionally coughed on money, which he threw onto the counter. He then reportedly told the employee he hoped he would get coronavirus and laughed while exiting the store.

Officials say the money had to be separated for proper disinfection.

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39-year-old Ryan Sanders of Markham was placed under arrest and has been charged with mischief.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

You can also leave an anonymous tip online.