RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh police have arrested a man in connection with a food-tampering case at a local grocery store.

Nearly two weeks ago, workers at the Food Lion at 3415 Avent Ferry Road called police after they noticed a man acting suspicious in the meat section of the store.

"It appeared the subject may have pierced a package of meat or torn into a package of meat and had some type of syringe in his hand," said Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue.

On Wednesday, police arrested Charone Ladame Josey and charged him with damage to personal property.

A Food Lion representative said on Wednesday that the meat was immediately removed from store shelves and was turned over to police for testing.

"Tests will be run on that and depending on how it comes back, of course, will depend on how the case proceeds," said Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue.

Regular shoppers at the Avent Ferry Food Lion said the syringe incident will not scare them off.

"I buy chicken. I may look into it a bit more, but it doesn't seem like it's a huge issue for me," said shopper Emily Morrison.

If any substance found in the meat is determined to be harmful, Josey could face federal charges, authorities said.

He is currently in the Wake County Jail under a $10,000 cash bond. A court appearance has been set for next month.