Hotel Guest Finds Drug Needles in New Port Richey Ramada Inn Coffee Machine
Personal injury attorney Charlie E. Farah recently discovered a story that, if true, is truly frightening.
A guest at the Ramada Inn Bayside in New Port Richey got an unpleasant surprise on Christmas Day when he discovered several syringes, a spoon, and a medicine bottle stashed inside the water reservoir of his hotel coffee machine.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the man had initially used the coffee maker to make tea, but had stopped drinking it because it tasted “funny.” Figuring the taste might be attributed to bad tap water, he got some bottled water to put into the machine — that’s when he made the grim discovery inside the water reservoir.
The man claims that after he called housekeeping to complain about his disturbing coffee machine discovery, a woman told him, “Don’t worry, I’ll get you a new one.”
Less than enamored with that answer, he called the front desk and then called the New Port Richey police, who took the items. The guest claims the police told him it wasn’t a criminal matter. The New Port Richey police chief said he had not heard about the incident, but that it sounds “unfortunate.”
The hotel guest told the Times he then went to the hospital, where he was told he could have been exposed to HIV or Hepatitis A, B, or C — but tests wouldn’t confirm whether he has been infected for at least six months. He said a doctor at the hospital told him not to have physical contact with anyone until he knows for sure.
A front desk clerk interviewed by the Times said that the housekeeping supervisor was fired after the incident. The man, who is now at home in Tavernier in the Florida Keys, claims that he already suffers from many ailments and fears he may have caught something from his allegedly toxic tea.
“My nerves are completely shot,” he told the Times.
If you believe you have been harmed because of the negligence of another party or institution, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, mental anguish, and other damages. Contact the law firm of Farah & Farah to discuss your case by calling (800) 533-3555 or by contacting us online.
