Coronavirus Corona Beer Caper Curbed

APRIL 3--A pair of career criminals who claimed to “have the virus” stole two cases of Corona beer from a CVS in Florida and then fled in a stolen van, say police who arrested the duo following a high-speed chase.

According to criminal complaints, Zavier Permenter, 42, and Steven Cyriacks, 32, entered the Coconut Creek business Tuesday afternoon and told workers they had the coronavirus. The men then allegedly “proceeded to grab two cases of Corona beer, as well as several detergent containers.”

The accused thieves apparently claimed to be infected with COVID-19 in an attempt to deter any employee resistance to the heist. The stolen Corona 12-packs were valued at $37.99 apiece by police.

Seen above, the duo exited the CVS and entered a Chevrolet Express van that was reported stolen a day earlier in Ft. Lauderdale.

Within minutes after receiving a 911 call about the theft, cops located the van as it traveled at “a high rate of speed” on State Road 869. The vehicle, which Cyriacks was driving, eventually was stopped by a “boxing maneuver” executed by police officers.

Cyriacks ran from the van, but was apprehended after a short foot chase. In addition to struggling with officers, Cyriacks allegedly threatened cops, saying, “Y’all ain’t shit with those badges, I’d fuck you up” and “I’ll go to your house and fuck you up.”

Permenter and Cyriacks were both booked into the Broward County jail on a variety of felony and misdemeanor counts. They remain behind bars as of this evening.

Both men have lengthy rap sheets, according to court records. Cyriacks, cops noted, has been convicted at least five times for theft, while Permenter has served multiple state prison stints for offenses including cocaine sales, battery, robbery, and grand theft auto. (3 pages)