Livonia Michigan Nurse Arrested for Stealing COVID-19 Vaccines [VIDEO]
A Michigan nurse has been arrested after attempting to steal two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine she was charged with giving to patients.
Saeedeh Elahi is accused of putting two syringes of the Pfizer vaccine and two vaccination record cards in her pocket while working as a nurse at the TCF Center in Detroit. The incident occurred at about 1:50 Monday afternoon at a vaccination clinic hosted by the facility.
The 41-year-old nurse was spotted by a colleague who reported what (s)he had seen. Police were called and the woman was taken into custody.
It is alleged that the nurse was probably trying to acquire vaccines for friends or family members who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine in Michigan.
Detroit Chief Operating Officer Hakim Berry tells WDIV that COVID-19 vaccines are heavily guarded.
“Even when we deliver they are with a security guard," he said. "We account for every syringe that we give out.”
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worth tells the station the action is being taken seriously.
“There is simply no excuse for this alleged conduct,” Worth said. “This past year has been extremely stressful for everyone. There is some light at the end of the tunnel because of the various vaccines. State and local governments have been doing their level best to get vaccines to as many people as possible. This case should send a loud and clear message that this conduct is criminal and will be taken seriously.”
Elahi has been charged with one count of larceny in a building.