ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 An Orange County man was arrested Monday after authorities say he attacked a restaurant owner with a shovel and claimed all Chinese restaurants would release a new strain of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Deputies arriving at the scene say they initially heard screaming from the kitchen. They saw a man, later named Richard Jarvis, holding a shovel and yelling that he needed to destroy the food because it was poisoned.<\/p>\n
Jie Lui, the restaurant owner, said Jarvis pulled on the door, shouted threats, and then entered the kitchen after damaging the rear entrance.<\/p>\n
Once inside, Jarvis began destroying food, sauces, and utensils, causing an estimated $2,000 worth of food and another $2,000 in tools to be damaged. <\/p>\n
As Lui tried to escape, Jarvis reportedly armed himself with a shovel and struck the owner in the back under his shoulder blade. He also threatened the owner, saying, \u201cIf you run away, I\u2019ll kill you,\u201d according to Lui\u2019s sworn statement.<\/p>\n
While being transported by deputies, Jarvis claimed his actions were part of a mission to save the public from a future pandemic. \u201cI had to destroy that restaurant,\u201d Jarvis said. \u201cAll Chinese restaurants are going to release a new strain of Covid on July sixth. I am a prophet; I\u2019m trying to save everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deputies submitted digital photographs and body-worn camera video of the scene as evidence. Jarvis faces charges of aggravated battery, criminal mischief, and burglary with a weapon, according to arrest records.<\/p>\n
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