A man from Marietta, Pennsylvania, identified as Steele Wiedrich, is facing multiple charges after allegedly causing significant damage to a hotel kitchen while wearing only socks. The incident occurred on January 12 at the Holiday Inn in Strasburg, located at 1900 Historic Drive. According to charging documents, Wiedrich claimed he was there to clean the kitchen and was given keys to access it.
Once inside, Wiedrich reportedly began removing racks and equipment, unplugging outlets, and flooding the floor. He also allegedly pulled emergency lighting and the fire alarm off the wall, causing $13,250.98 in damages to the breakfast nook. When police arrived, Wiedrich was locked in the kitchen and seen pouring cleaning chemicals into an overflowing sink.
Wiedrich was reportedly only wearing socks and a lanyard. Officers wrapped him in a sheet after detaining him. He allegedly told police that the COVID virus was coming through the lines and that he needed to stop it, claiming the kitchen was very dirty. Initially, Wiedrich identified himself as Christian Smith, but police later confirmed his identity through the Lancaster City Police.
Wiedrich has been charged with criminal mischief, false alarms to an agency of public safety, false identification to law enforcement, and open lewdness. Local 21 News reported on the incident.