SHARONVILLE, Ohio — A Dayton, Ohio woman is accused of stealing groceries and knowingly exposing people to COVID-19 on Tuesday at the Sharonville Kroger, according to court documents.
But in a statement Wednesday, Sharonville officers say they have not found any indication that the woman "has been tested or has had a positive test result."
Stephanie "Lauren" Incarnato, 28, “knowingly exposed Kroger employees and present members of the general public to COVID-19, after knowingly having positive COVID-19 test results,” court documents say.
But Sharonville Police released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying Incarnato was not displaying any virus symptoms and was cleared by medics at the scene.
"In addition to claiming she had the virus, she also claimed she was pregnant and had swallowed narcotics," the department said.
Incarnato was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further evaluation, where she refused medical treatment. She was not tested for COVID-19 "since she was not displaying any symptoms needed for testing."
"In light of other news stories regarding persons flagrantly attempting to infect merchandise at stores in other parts of the county, the Sharonville Police would like to reiterate that Incarnato was NOT attempting to do this. Incarnato was NOT displaying symptoms of the virus, and only indicated she had an illness after being arrested," police said.
Incarnato stole about $1,280 worth of groceries and had drugs on her when she was arrested at the Kroger located at 12164 Lebanon Road, police said.
Based on her claim, Incarnato stands charged with exposing others to contagion, theft and possession of drugs.
Lt. David Daugherty said Incarnato is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center, where she is isolated from other inmates. Daugherty said she will remain in isolation for 14 days and will be monitored by medical staff.
No one at the Hamilton County Justice Center has tested positive for COVID-19 at this time.
