VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLa. – A 49-year-old DeBary man is accused of intentionally coughing on a store employee at Harbor Freight Tools in Orange City, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said Christopher Canfora is facing a charge of aggravated assault.
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Investigators said deputies responded to the store Tuesday and interviewed a store employee.
Deputies said the employee told investigators Canfora commented on the social distancing measures the store has implemented.
The employee told deputies Canfora said, “This is all getting out of hand,” and intentionally coughed on her and the register, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said the victim told investigators Canfora said he does the same thing to people wearing masks when he sees them.
Florida Department of Health records show Canfora is a licensed paramedic for American Medical Response.
Deputies said investigators met Canfora at his home and he denied coughing on anyone and said he did not have any symptoms of coronavirus.
Investigators said Canfora told deputies he didn’t expect anyone to understand his sense of humor and he could not remember exactly what he said at the store.
He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
Canfora has been placed on administrative leave, AMR official said.
“We were informed that a part time employee, Chris Canfora, has been arrested on charges unrelated to his employment at AMR,” a spokesperson said. “Mr. Canfora has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. The leave will remain in effect until the resolution of the investigation.”