ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – A police evidence photo shows the syringe which police say was hidden inside a pair of jeans at the Wal-Mart in Rochester Hills.
A woman who was trying on the pair of pants said she was stuck by the syringe in the dressing room. She panicked and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Local 4 has learned this was not an isolated incident. There have been at least six other victims in three states.
"As we found, there have been numerous other occurrences in other states like Tennessee and Georgia where things like this have happened," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
This incident in Rochester Hills was the latest. Last year, the first incident was reported in Tennessee. After that, at least three more were reported in suburban Atlanta.
A shopper in Georgia described what happened to her.
"I felt something stick me in the finger, I though, 'What is that?'" said Courtney Worthington. "I kept trying to put it on some more and I felt it stick me in the foot that time."
The victim in Rochester Hills is OK but emotionally shaken up. Shoppers are on high alert, looking out for any errant syringes in clothing.
"It's very strange," said Elaine Rowe, of Rochester Hills. "I don't how that could have even happened. Did someone plant a needle, a syringe?"
Police are testing the syringe to find out what, if anything, was inside.
A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said she was aware of the Rochester Hills and Atlanta incidents, but not aware of the Tennessee incident. She said Wal-Mart is taking this very seriously. Clothing will be inspected at the store.
The victim will undergo more blood tests.