An Eagle County man who allegedly, and purposely, coughed on products another customer was buying at an Edwards grocery store has been identified and served a summons.
Nathan R. Herries, 51, of Vail, was identified by an anonymous tipster after authorities turned to social media for help in identifying a suspect, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
Herries has been issued a summons for violation of public health order, disorderly conduct and second-degree tampering, in lieu of an arrest, the sheriff’s office said.
The incident happened at the Village Market on April 11 and the suspect refused to keep 6 feet away from other customers. When an employee asked him to step back, the man said that the employee was falling for “media hype,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
The actions violated the county’s public health orders, according to the sheriff’s office. Eagle County has the highest per capita rate of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis of all Colorado counties, according to .
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the man or the incident is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 970-328-8500 or Eagle County Crime Stoppers at 970-328-7007. Tips can also be submitted online at .
