A man was arrested in Sunnyvale on Wednesday for tampering with food products at a grocery store, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 8:47 a.m. deputies were dispatched to East El Camino Real and Maria Lane for a man that spread white powder, later identified as salt, and hydrogen peroxide on a VTA bus.

Officials say Juan Balleza, the bus operator, had passengers get off the bus until deputies got there. Among the passengers was the suspect who walked away from the area.

A description of the suspect, identified as 48-year-old David Lohr, was sent to all bus and train operators.

Around 9:55 a.m. Michael Grenz, another bus driver, alerted deputies that a man who matched the described suspect was sitting at a bus stop near East El Camino Real and San Antonio Road in Los Altos.

Authorities found Lohr at the stop and discovered that he had a felony no-bail warrant from the FBI-Los Angeles Office for tampering with and attempting to tamper with consumer products.

A follow-up investigation at nearby Safeway’s ensued after deputies found salt and multiple receipts in Lohr’s pockets.

Officials spoke to grocery store employees, who found an empty hydrogen peroxide bottle in addition to it being spilled in a rotisserie chicken heating tray on Jan. 26. Surveillance footage also showed Lohr pouring bleach on egg cartons in the same store.

Safeway management continues to help in the investigation to determine whether the eggs or chicken were sold to customers.

“The quick response and thorough investigation by our deputies prompted by vigilant and observant VTA bus drivers led to the apprehension of this suspect, whose actions had the potential to adversely affect the public’s health and safety. Our Deputies take pride in their work in keeping the public safe. We’d also like to thank Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety for their assistance for expeditiously clearing and determining the substance on the bus wasn’t hazardous to the public.” – Sheriff Laurie Smith

Lohr has been booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on the felony warrant and new charges for food tampering, which are pending.

On Friday, Lohr appeared in court and remains in custody.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at (408) 808-4500.

WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON:

>>MORE STORIES