Maryland Police Search For Man Posing As COVID-19 Tester To Break Into Homes

The unidentified male wore an orange vest and blue surgical mask.

March 23, 2020
By: Aaron Rasmussen

Maryland police have warned residents to be on the lookout for a man who attempted to gain entry into houses on two separate occasions by claiming he had coronavirus tests.

Washington D.C.’s WUSA reported that a male in his late 20s or early 30s knocked on the door of a home just after noon on Mar. 17 and claimed he was inspecting for COVID-19.



“He was not allowed into the residence and left,” the Bowie Police Department posted on Facebook.

The man, who law enforcement said wore a black hoodie, orange vest and blue surgical mask, then went to a second home about an hour later.

“While a resident was home, the unknown male entered the home through an unlocked door and was confronted by the resident,” police wrote on social media. “The suspect began to talk to the resident but fled upon hearing a dog bark.”

The Bowie Police Department warned residents to “not open their homes to anyone claiming to be checking for the COVID-19 virus or offering to clean their home.”

The department added: “If you do encounter someone claiming to be testing for COVID-19, you're asked to call police or 911 immediately.”

Next Up

'Get 'Em Santa!' Undercover Cops Dressed As Santa, Elf Capture Car Thieves In California

This holiday season may not be so merry and bright for the three suspects.

Former Sheriff’s Deputy Burglarized Homes During Funerals, Police Say

If convicted, Janelle Gericke could face more than 12 years behind bars.

'School Of Rock' Star & Guitarist Joey Gaydos, Jr., Busted For Stealing Guitars

Gaydos, who is known for his role as lead guitarist, Zack Mooneyham, in the fictional school band fronted by Jack Black, has been hit with felony charges for larceny and grand theft.

Virginia Police Say Man Wearing Baby T-Shirt As Mask Robbed 7-Eleven

Authorities are asking for help to identify the suspect, who allegedly had a knife.

Oregon Man Accidentally Steals Car With Little Boy Inside, Returns To Scold Mother

Thief “threatened to call the police on her” for leaving the child unattended in an unlocked vehicle, cops say.

Intruder Breaks Into Ohio Teacher's Home While She Was On Zoom With Student

Special education teacher Amanda Zupancic was on a Zoom call with a student when she heard glass shattering downstairs and jokingly said "I think someone is breaking into my house".

Janelle Brown On the Grift of Con Artists and Online Influencers

In our Q&A New York Times bestselling author Janelle Brown reveals her inspiration for her latest book comes from a Kim Kardashian incident in which Instagram played a key role.

Cops Say Suspected Bank Robber Handed Teller a Note With His Name and Address On It

The accused thief allegedly used a form from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles that contained his contact information.

Ex-Marine Accused Of Stealing Hundreds Of Face Masks From a Veterans Administration Hospital

Peter Lucas claims he took the protective personal equipment to give to the homeless.