Suspicious Man Claims To Inspect Homes For Coronavirus: Police

BOWIE, MD — Police in Bowie are investigating two incidents involving a man they say offered to inspect residents' homes for the coronavirus.

Investigators describe the suspect as a black man, in his late 20s to early 30s, wearing a black hoodie with an orange vest and a blue surgical mask. The incidents reportedly took place on March 17.

At about 12:08 p.m., the man knocked on a door in the 1400 block of Pennypacker Lane and claimed to be inspecting homes for the coronavirus. Police said he wasn't allowed in the residence and left.

The second incident happened in the 13100 block of 14th St. about an hour later. According to police, the man entered a home through an unlocked door and was confronted by a resident. The suspect began to talk to the resident but fled after hearing a dog bark, they added.

"Residents should not open their homes to anyone claiming to be checking for the COVID-19 virus or offering to clean their home," police said.

Anyone who encounters an individual claiming to conduct inspections or cleanings for COVID-19 should call 9-1-1 or the Bowie Police Department at 240-544-5700.