Police identify East Liberty man who spit on Giant Eagle employee’s face

ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. — Police are desperately searching for a man accused of spitting on a Giant Eagle employee’s face.

He was identified as 23-year-old Brandon Thompson of East Liberty. Police said an arrest warrant has been issued and he will be charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and other charges once he is arrested.

Aisha Mariner, a manager at the store in Swissvale, told Channel 11 she was trying to help a customer who was arguing with a clerk over a transaction.

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Mariner said she tried to calm the customer down numerous times, but he was irate and wouldn’t stop yelling and cursing.

According to investigators, the man then crawled under the Plexiglas barrier and spat on the woman’s face. Police said the man paid $50 for a money order but then demanded he receive $100.

Mariner is worried, especially for her family, because her husband and mother are diabetic.

“I have to wait and wonder if I’m hurting my family,” the employee said.

Police searching for man who spit on Giant Eagle employee’s face Police searching for man who spit on Giant Eagle employee’s face

Police are investigating the incident, and Giant Eagle issued a statement:

"We thank our Edgewood Giant Eagle Team Member, and all Giant Eagle, Market District and GetGo Team Members, for continuing to put their communities first during this unprecedented and uncertain time. How this Edgewood guest acted is wholly unacceptable, and his actions do not reflect the calm, positive and appreciative attitude of so many of those shopping in our stores.

We support the efforts of local law enforcement to take every action to ensure that this individual answers for his careless and disrespectful behavior, and are working closely with our affected Team Member to provide the care she needs and deserves."

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