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Orlando Man Charged After Shovel Attack at Chinese Restaurant Over Claimed COVID Threat

Deputies say he claimed he was preventing a new COVID strain, according to the arrest affidavit.

Overview

  • Deputies arrested 43-year-old Richard Jarvis on Monday after he entered Pearl’s Chinese Restaurant in Orlando with a shovel and destroyed kitchen equipment.
  • The arrest affidavit says he struck the owner in the back and had earlier threatened to kill everyone while attempting to get in through the back door.
  • Investigators report he said he was a prophet trying to stop a July 6 COVID strain, statements that are unverified.
  • He faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, criminal mischief, burglary of a structure with a weapon, and assault.
  • Nearby businesses called 911 and are tightening security, and local media have requested OCSO body-camera video as the investigation continues.