A man allegedly coughed and spat on produce at the Stop and Shop in Kingston, and police say they’re pursuing criminal charges against him.

Kingston police were called to the supermarket, at 160 Summer St., just before noon on Saturday for a report of a disturbance. Police said the 65-year-old Duxbury man, who has not been publicly identified, had allegedly been coughing and spitting and then “became confrontational with staff and witnesses.” A physical confrontation ensued.

“At this time, we have no reason to believe the individual has COVID-19,” police said.

He was brought to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth as a precaution, and he is prohibited from returning to the supermarket.


Police are seeking a criminal complaint, which may include the following charges: assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot), assault and battery, and destruction of property (produce).

Staff removed any products that could have been affected during the incident, and the area was cleaned, according to a statement from Stop and Shop obtained by The Patriot Ledger.

A video of the scene shows multiple people appearing to hold the man down.

Get Boston.com's e-mail alerts:

Sign up and receive coronavirus news and breaking updates, from our newsroom to your inbox.