LOCAL NEWS
Shoplifter with HIV accused of biting a Nordstrom security guard pleads not guilty
Sep 9, 2022, 4:38 PM | Updated: Oct 19, 2022, 4:35 pm
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On Thursday, King County Prosecutors said a shoplifting suspect, who bit a Nordstrom security guard and knew he had HIV, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree robbery.
Court documents say it happened Aug. 22 at the Downtown Seattle Flagship store, where prosecutors say 30-year-old Keelan Jones tried stealing $300 in clothing but was stopped by security guards.
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According to court documents, Jones fought with them and bit one of the guards breaking his skin.
Prosecutors say Jones admitted to firefighters he is HIV positive.
The victim’s coworkers said he is doing okay, and investigators said he did not contract HIV.
According to the CDC, contracting HIV through biting is rare, but it can occur.
Jones is charged with second-degree robbery, a higher level charge, because of the assault.
Jones does not have a record of any felony convictions, he does, however, have several misdemeanor convictions.
Prosecutors have not heard yet if the victim contracted HIV.
Jones will be arraigned Sept. 15, but for now, he remains at the King County Jail on $25,000 bail.
