Twelve additional stores may have been targeted by the man who was reportedly sprinkling a toxic substance on food in area grocery stores.
The substance was identified as a mixture of hand cleaner, water and Tomcat mice poison. The Michigan Department of Agriculture says one of the mixtures used in the crimes may have also contained the chemical Bromethalin, a neurotoxin.
Based on the available information, MDHHS does not anticipate any serious health effects. However, if anyone experiences any symptoms such as headache, confusion, personality change, or tremors, they should contact their doctor or call the Michigan Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
The man was taken into custody. The 12 additional stores possibly impacted are located in Ann Arbor, Flint, Saline, Midland and Birch Run.
Originally, it was reported that the man had targeted the Whole Foods on W. Eisenhower Parkway, the Meijer on Ann Arbor-Saline Road and the Plum Market on North Maple.
The man reportedly confessed and was identified by tips from the public.
Officials say in his confession, the suspect said he sprayed the produce within the last two weeks.
The investigation is ongoing and, officials say, the suspect has said he visited other stores in the Ann Arbor area over the last few months.
The FBI is still working with the State of Michigan and Washtenaw County Health Officials to determine the threat to the public.
No charges have been announced in the case.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Health and human Services are working with the FBI on this investigation. They are urging people to throw away any foods bought from the salad bars at affected stores.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to protect public health and food safety, I encourage consumers to dispose of any foods purchased from salad bars, olive bars and ready-to-eat hot and cold food areas from these stores between mid-March and the end of April,” said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD director, in a news release. “Although most of these types of foods may have already been eaten or disposed of, some may still be in refrigerators or freezers.”
Here's a list of the other stores that may have been targeted by the man:
Busch's
2240 S Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI
Cupcake Station
116 E Liberty
Ann Arbor, MI
Family Fare
2026 North Saginaw
Midland, MI
Kroger
3838 Richfield Road
Flint, MI
Meijer, #108
7300 Eastman Ave
Midland, MI
Meijer, #64
3145 Ann Arbor-Saline
Ann Arbor, MI
Meijer, #213
9515 Birch Run Rd
Birch Run, MI
Millers Mini Mart
3001 Bay City Rd
Midland, MI
Plum Market
375 North Maple
Ann Arbor, MI
Target
2000 Waters Road
Ann Arbor, MI
Tsai Grocery
3115 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, MI
Walmart
910 Joe Mann Blvd
Midland, MI
Walmart
7000 E Michigan Ave
Saline, MI
Whole Foods
990 W Eisenhower Pkwy
Ann Arbor, MI
Whole Foods
3135 Washtenaw Ave
Ann Arbor, MI
If you have health concerns, you are asked to call your healthcare provider or Michigan Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
