Amid a pandemic, a New Jersey Starbucks employee was charged Monday for spitting in police officers’ drinks, according to Fox News. In a Wednesday interview on “Fox & Friends,” Park Ridge Police Department Lt. James Babcock said that while the investigation into 21-year-old Kevin Trejo is still ongoing, the incident had been confirmed. Babcock told Fox that his police officers are “concerned” and that the COVID-19 pandemic “adds another level” to the alleged action. His penalty…a slap on the wrist.

“So, a lot of our guys are obviously upset; rightfully so. But, we are, you know, we have to, you know, fight through this. We have to be strong. And, we have to still serve our community…” Babcock noted, adding that his fellow officers have “been relatively healthy” and “hope it stays that way.”

So how was Trejo busted?

Kevin A. Trejo was “arrogant enough to be bragging about it,” which is what led police to question him, Chief Joseph Madden said by phone Tuesday.

Madden called Trejo’s actions “very disturbing” after police on Monday charged the Westwood man with subjecting a law enforcement officer to contact with a bodily fluid, tampering with a cup of coffee knowing it was ordered by an officer, and creating a hazardous condition.

Starbucks spokeswoman Sara Autio said by phone that Trejo was fired.

In November 2019, a Starbucks employee in Oklahoma was fired after an officer bought Starbucks for 911 dispatchers and found the word “PIG” printed on the cups’ labels.

“This language is offensive to all law enforcement and is not representative of the deep appreciation we have for police officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” the coffee giant said in a statement at the time.

“I mean, being from a small community, we have a great relationship with all of our businesses that always support our policing programs. The Park Ridge Starbucks has always supported our efforts,” said Babcock. “And, [we] feel that the poor actions of one individual don’t speak for the good employees of that company that really care for us,” he concluded.

He was released from police custody on Monday. It wasn’t immediately clear if Trejo had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

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