Uncovered Cough Leads to Shooting at a Gas Station

In Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Police said shots were shot at a local Sheetz gas station during a conflict that began with a man coughing and not covering his mouth last weekend.

The suspect, Guillermo Alvarez, allegedly shot into an engaged vehicle Saturday, urging the driver, William Sauro, to drive home from the scene and call 911, a local NBC affiliate reported.

Officers arrested Alvarez, who dropped the gun when told to, and found that he did not have a protected carry permit.

Sauro later told police in an interview that he saw Alvarez walking through the parking lot “coughing and not covering” and told him to cover his mouth, referring to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to an argument in which Alvarez allegedly drew a pistol and shot a round into Sauro’s window before shooting several more shots into the front driver side tire.

Surveillance video shows Alvarez stopping at the front door of the building, staring back at Sauro in his vehicle and happening to converse with him. The footage ultimately shows Sauro striking Alvarez with his car, at which point Alvarez took out the gun.

Police have charged both men with annoying assault and carelessly threatening another person, the channel reported.

“We are living in trying and uncertain times right now, and everyone needs to practice patience with one another and not resort to violence,” said Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer. “Special thanks go out to our first responders, including the Police, who throughout this pandemic continues to work with the public every day to ensure the health and safety of our community.”