© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Man suspected of putting rat poison on groceries faces felony charges

A Michigan man suspected of spraying a contaminant on unpackaged food at grocery stores faces four charges of poisoning food, according to the Associated Press.  

Kyle Bessemer appeared in an Ann Arbor court Thursday, two days after his arrest.

The FBI says Bessemer admitted to spraying a mixture of hand sanitizer, water, and mouse poison on produce and food bars at three Ann Arbor stores: Whole Foods, Meijer and Plum Market. The charges cover two stores.

Meanwhile, state officials say it’s possible he may have targeted several other stores in the Flint, Midland, and Saline areas as well.

In court, investigators told a judge the 29-year-old Bessemer believed someone was trying to poison him.

Bond was set at $250,000. An attorney for Bessemer will be assigned.

Shoppers have been encouraged to throw away uneaten food purchased from salad bars and ready-to-eat food areas between mid-March and the end of April.

No illnesses have been reported. 

Related Content