The Farmington Police Department is investigating an incident in which a 51-year-old man was injured by needles taped to a men’s toilet seat in the East Main Walmart, according to spokeswoman Shanice Gonzales.
The man entered the Walmart bathroom at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 6 and was poked by the syringes when using the restroom, according to Gonzales.
“We’re trying to identify what substance was in the syringes,” Gonzales said. “We are sending it to the state lab.”
Gonzales added this was not a “hoax” and the investigation was ongoing.
Medical professionals treated the man’s injuries, she said. The Tri-City Record has requested a police report and does not yet know when the injury occurred. Police posted the notice on Facebook at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, according to the timestamp.
While police believe this is an “isolated incident,” Gonzales said it is important for people to be cautious and inspect public restrooms before use.
Anyone with additional information or who witnesses suspicious activity is asked to call nonemergency dispatch at (505) 334-6622.
This story was updated Sept. 8 to include the age of the injured man and the location of the store.
