NATURE OF CASE: Unconscious Student Due To Food Tampering
VICTIM(S): McHiggins, Arthur
SUSPECT(S): Virginia Tech Cafeteria Staff
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RELEASE: On September 4th, 2011 at approximately 1:05 PM personnel from the Virgen City Police and Fire Department responded to a report of an unconscious student on the West side of the quad at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Thus far, the investigation has revealed that McHiggins had the chemical chloroform embed in a cupcake he had taken to go. It has been suspected that a member of the Virginia Tech cafeteria staff is responsible for the incident.
Prior to the incident, witnesses report that McHiggins had recently been at the cafeteria eating a meal with friends. When he was done he decided to walk back to his dormitory. He smelled the cupcake taken from the cafeteria, was going to eat it but suddenly fell.
He was found lying on the quad unconscious moments later.
Results of a food test show that chloroform, a chemical substance that if inhaled causes faintness, was put into the cupcake McHiggins had taken.
Due to this incident it has been ordered that all Virginia Tech cafeterias remain closed until further notice. Virginia State Law has also ordered that all food be discarded and all kitchens are fully sanitized. The Virginia Health Department will allow the cafeteria only to be reopened once the correct suspect has been found and the situation has been fully taken care of.
The cafeteria staff is in the process of being questioned and their work materials are being tested for evidence. The person responsible for this incident will be immediately fired. They will be charged with a felony of food poisoning, a three to eighteen year sentence, and be given a fine of $10,000. If more than one person was involved in this act each individual will be equally charged.
Officials say that the situation needs to be taken seriously which is why the person responsible will be held to the highest degree of punishment.
The evidence and reports regarding the investigation of this incident will be presented to District Attorney Robert Mallon, when complete. Until the District Attorney receives the case, there will be no further release of information.
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CASE #: 22345-32847 PREPARED BY: ANTHONY DEFANZO
RANK OR TITLE: CHIEF OF POLICE, VA
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