Aroma cook suspected of poisoning fellow employee

Cook in central Israel café claims intended no malice when he put substance in employee's salad after she urged him to speed up; police suspect poisoning

Gilad Morag|Published: 05.02.13 , 14:15

A feud between two café workers ended in poisoning: Police detectives arrested an Aroma cook in central Israel on Wednesday for allegedly poisoning a fellow worker. It is suspected that the 20-year-old cook inserted degreaser detergent in the salad of a female worker.

As a result, she was rushed to hospital where her stomach was pumped before she was released home.

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It is suspected the worker had made remarks towards the cook to speed up his work, and he was angered with hert tone. A police complaint was filed on behalf of the employee and the cook is suspected of using poison to risk human life. In his investigation, the cook admitted to committing the act, yet claimed it was done without malice.

The suspect was brought for a remand hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court where it was decided to release him to house arrest for four days.

However, police appealed the decision and motioned to delay the release. Police representative Major Sergeant Carmella Triki said, "this is a serious offense, the suspect is seen in in security cameras footage committing the alleged act and the complainant has not been questioned yet. Police will need to question other witnesses."

Judge Shaul Avinor said, "The suspect was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery due to a dispute with the complainant. He has no previous criminal record. The investigation does not warrant remand."

The suspect's lawyer, Saleh Souad, said "we deny the accusations, the judge ruled for his release to house arrest, meanwhile there is a delay, and he denies all allegations."

Aroma Israel said in response: "We are committed to the safety and security of our customers and employees. This is a personal matter between two employees and once the suspicion came about, we turned to the police and it is investigated by them. Fortunately, the worker is now feeling well and is at home. We are in contact with her."

A similar incident occurred a few years ago when Igor Averbuch, an engineer in a private firm in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, poisoned his fellow workers when he inserted pesticide in their coffee cups.

Following the poisoning, the workers experienced headaches and "bitter throats". He was convicted in court and was sentenced last July to 15 months in prison.