Top Stories

Coronavirus: Woman accused of intentionally coughing on McDonald’s drive-thru worker

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A woman accused of intentionally coughing on a drive-thru worker at a McDonald’s in Westmoreland County and telling the worker, “l hope you get COVID-19 and die,” has been charged with assault, Pennsylvania State Police said.

The incident happened April 3 at the McDonald’s on Route 30 in Hempfield Township.

>>PREVIOUS STORY: Police: Charges planned against 2 in coughing incidents

Sharon Powell, 48, of North Huntingdon, was allegedly upset because her drink was handed to her in a to-go cup holder, according to a criminal complaint. When she tried to hand it back through the window, she was told food items are not allowed to re-enter the restaurant and that the to-go cup holders were being used to avoid contact during the coronavirus pandemic.

Powell then dropped the cup holder and began coughing on the worker, the complaint said.

The worker told police she could feel drops of saliva hitting her face and hands as Powell coughed on her before driving away.

You can customize your WPXI News App to receive alerts to Westmoreland County news. CLICK HERE to find out how.

A license plate number was used by police to determine the vehicle was registered to Powell, whom the worker identified through a driver’s license photo, police said.

Powell is charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and disorderly conduct.