Man tampered with water bottles at grocery store in Orange County, deputies say

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (FOX 11) - Authorities Thursday were searching for a man accused of tampering with water bottles at a grocery store in Orange County.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, on Monday, June 17, a man in an orange colored shirt entered a grocery store in Mission Viejo at approximately 2:30 p.m. and began removing the lids of water bottles in the store.

The man left the scene before deputies arrived.

Authorities said that all water bottles that appeared to be tampered with were removed from the store shelves and several were collected as evidence to determine if the water was contaminated.

The man is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing about 185 pounds. Authorities said he had a beard and was wearing a bright orange shirt and blue jeans. He left the scene in a white SUV.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact OCSD Dispatch at 714-647-7000 or anonymous tips to OC CrimeStoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.