Man Says He's a 'Prophet' Saving the World, Destroys Chinese Restaurant with Shovel to Stop 'New Covid Strain'

A Florida man who believed he was a prophet trying to halt a 'new' COVID outbreak caused chaos by smashing up a local Chinese restaurant with a shovel. His actions left the owner battered and the community shaken.

A man on a mission turns violent

Richard Jarvis, 45, walked into Pearl's Chinese Restaurant in Orange County on Monday afternoon wielding a shovel. Witnesses say he started hitting the kitchen, smashing appliances and causing thousands of dollars in damage. In the chaos, he also struck the restaurant's owner.

Vanessa Trejo, a nearby business owner who had just finished her lunch, watched in horror. 'The guy had like a shovel and he was swinging it and hitting them,' she recalls. 'It was terrifying.'

According to reports, Jarvis told officers he was trying to prevent a new COVID-19 strain from being released. His bizarre explanation? 'I had to destroy that restaurant. All Chinese restaurants are going to release a new strain of COVID on July sixth. I am a prophet. I'm trying to save everyone.'

A delusional crusade

The attack appears rooted in Jarvis's unfounded conspiracy theories. He believed that by destroying the restaurant, he could stop an alleged biological threat. His claims have no scientific basis, but they have left scars in the community.

The owner, who has not been named publicly, was struck during the assault. Witnesses say he was left shaken but conscious. Emergency services arrived quickly, and Jarvis was taken into custody.

He now faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, assault, and burglary. Authorities say his actions were reckless and dangerous, motivated by delusions rather than any real threat.

Community reacts and new security measures

The incident has left nearby businesses worried about safety. Trejo said her store and others in the plaza are stepping up precautions. 'Now we're trying to take different precautions, like keep our doors locked in the back,' she explained. 'Keep the front door locked because he walked in through the front.'

Local residents express concern for the owner's well-being. Clifton Hall, a regular customer, said, 'We think about the long-term ramifications of this owner now. Every customer that comes in his door potentially could be a threat to him.'

Hall hopes that community support can help the owner recover both physically and emotionally. 'Now they're going to have people watching out for them. So some good can come out of this as well,' he added.

A community's resilience

While Jarvis's actions are shocking, they also reveal the strength of community bonds. People are rallying around the restaurant owner, hoping to restore a sense of safety. The incident has sparked conversations about mental health, conspiracy theories, and the importance of community vigilance.

The police continue their investigation. Jarvis remains in custody, awaiting arraignment. His bizarre claims have left many questioning how someone so convinced of their own prophecies could turn violent over unfounded fears.

As the community recovers from this unsettling event, one thing remains clear. The resilience of those affected will be key to moving forward. Despite the damage, hope persists. People remember that in times of crisis, kindness and support often shine brightest.