Joliet Police Search For 'I Have Coronavirus' Suspects Who Sprayed Food At Walmart

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police in Joliet want the public's help in finding two masked suspects, after a disturbing prank at a suburban Walmart.

Police said they sprayed disinfectant on food and other items in the store.

CBS 2's Jim Williams has the story.

It was a gross and costly prank at Walmart, exploiting fears of the coronavirus and ruining thousands of dollars worth of fresh food. One of them claiming to have the coronavirus.

Authorities said on Sunday February 2, officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious incident at a Walmart located in the 1400 block of Route 59. They walked into the enormous Walmart Sunday afternoon. Surveillance cameras catch two young men, possibly in their 20s. one wearing a yellow surgical mask and a handmade sign on his back reading, "Caution I have the coronavirus."

According to police, one of the suspects put on a yellow medical mask, sprayed Lysol on food, clothing as well as health and beauty items in the store.

One of the suspects had a handmade sign on his back that said "Caution I Have The Coronavirus."

They were seen leaving in a white 2003 GMC Yukon registered to Oswego Illinois. Authorities said the suspects are two white males, possibly in their 20s.

Walmart estimates the lost of produce at over $7,000. The cleanup costs are over $2,400.

The images come from store surveillance security cameras.

If anyone has information on the identity of the individuals, they can contact the Joliet Police Department's Investigation Unit at 815-724-3020.

They can also call Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or go online to the Crime Stoppers site.