PhD Chemistry Graduate Caught Injecting ‘Chemical Agent’ Into Neighbor’s Doorstep
A recent PhD chemistry graduate from the University of Southern Florida has been caught injecting a ‘chemical agent’ into his neighbor’s doorstep. The incident has left the family in shock and raised concerns about safety in their community.
The perpetrator, Xuming Li, 36, was caught by his neighbor, Umar Abdullah, who became suspicious after noticing an “obnoxious” smell in their home. Abdullah, along with his wife and baby daughter, began experiencing vomiting and difficulty breathing, prompting him to take action.
Abdullah decided to plant a camera outside their home to investigate the source of the smell. To his surprise, the camera captured Li with a syringe filled with a liquid substance, which is believed to be strong opioid painkillers methadone and hydrocodone.
The family expressed their shock over the revelation, as they had only ever received noise complaints from Li, and he seemed like a “regular guy.”
Abdullah had moved into the Palm Springs Boulevard building with his pregnant wife, and they were initially welcomed by other residents. However, Li soon began complaining about noise and other minor inconveniences.
After months of complaints, the family began experiencing health issues, including dizziness and sickness. The mystery illness continued even after they had their air conditioning, water heater, and vents checked. Their concern grew when their daughter started showing symptoms.
Desperate to find the cause of their illness, Abdullah set up a hidden camera in a potted plant outside their door. The footage revealed Li injecting a clear liquid substance into the crack of Abdullah’s door frame.
Terrified by what they saw, Abdullah immediately called the police and evacuated his family from the house. Tampa Police investigated the incident and found that the family had been exposed to a “liquid chemical agent” containing methadone and hydrocodone. The high levels of narcotics in the air can cause various health issues such as shallow breathing, disorientation, and nausea.
Li was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, aggravated stalking, and battery using a chemical agent.
Li, originally from China, was a PhD chemistry student at the University of Southern Florida until the summer of 2023. His booking information describes him as a 6-foot male weighing 160lbs. According to his LinkedIn profile, Li considers himself an innovative and goal-driven chemist who enjoys facing new challenges in research.
He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on December 5. Additionally, he is facing a lawsuit from Abdullah for domestic violence and from the condo association for breach of contract.
Abdullah, determined to protect his family’s well-being, plans to move to a new home after the emotional trauma caused by the incident.