Texas police search for 18-year-old girl who said she plans to spread coronavirus after testing positive

by: Nexstar Media Wire

Posted: Apr 6, 2020 / 08:55 AM PDT

Updated: Apr 6, 2020 / 08:55 AM PDT

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Police in Texas are investigating a teenager’s claims that she has coronavirus and plans to infect others, KTLA sister station WFLA in Tampa, Florida, reported Monday.

The 18-year-old, later identified as Lorraine Maradiaga, went on social media and said she tested positive for COVID-19 and is “willfully spreading it,” according to the Carrollton Police Department.

We have identified the woman seen on social media claiming to be COVID-19 positive as 18-year-old Lorraine Maradiaga and are charging her with Terroristic Threat, Texas Penal Code 22.07.

We have not located her yet. Tips: (972) 466-3333 or CrimeTips@CityofCarrollton.com. pic.twitter.com/KySDDXL2RH
— Carrollton TX Police (@CarrolltonTXPD) April 5, 2020

Police said they will charge Maradiaga with making a terroristic threat.

“We have no confirmation Maradiaga is actually a threat to public health,” the department tweeted. “We are, however, taking her social media actions very seriously.”

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact police by dialing 972-466-3333 or emailing CrimeTips@CityofCarrollton.com.