PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — The Port St. Lucie Police Department has made an arrest in an alleged targeted incident at a grocery store specializing in Middle Eastern food products.
PSLPD announced Wednesday that it arrested Christine Fernandez, who was caught on surveillance video placing what appeared to be pork products along the sidewalk outside the business. Under Islamic dietary laws, pork consumption is prohibited.
Fernandez, 61, is charged with harassment or intimidation based on religious or ethnic heritage. She was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail on Monday and later released on a $750 cash bond. Police said she is awaiting her initial court appearance.
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The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. May 30 outside a business specializing in Middle Eastern food products on Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard. Surveillance footage showed Fernandez placing pork products along the sidewalk outside the establishment. Police said detectives determined the act was intended to harass, intimidate and cause distress based on the owners’ religious and ethnic heritage.
CBS12 News spoke with the store owner, Hiba Sharef, who said she was attending her nephew’s graduation when the incident occurred. Her husband and 11-year-old son were working at the store when they called her to tell her what happened.
After reviewing surveillance footage, Sharef said she noticed the woman appeared to intentionally place the items directly in front of her business. She said the store has been open for more than a year and that she had never experienced anything like it before.
PSLPD said all physical evidence was transferred to the State Attorney’s Office. Police reminded the public that while freedom of expression is protected, targeted harassment and intimidation based on religious or ethnic identity are criminal offenses with real consequences.