National

Coronavirus: Florida man coughs toward deputy after claiming he has COVID-19, officials say

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man is facing several charges after he told a deputy he tested positive for COVID-19 and coughed toward the deputy, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies said Christian Perez, 23, was taken into custody after he was stopped for reckless driving.

Perez reportedly told deputies he had COVID-19, so deputies provided him with a protective mask to cover his mouth.

Deputies said at one point, Perez removed the mask and began intentionally coughing toward a deputy.

The deputy got the mask back on Perez’s mouth to reduce the risk of contamination, officials said.

Deputies said Perez was charged with driving under the influence, driving without a license, assault on a deputy and threatening a public servant.

Sheriff William Snyder said men and women of law enforcement encounter enough dangers daily without actions like this.

“We have zero tolerance for this despicable behavior, and anyone who threatens the health and lives of my deputies will face the maximum charges," Snyder said.

SUSPECT WHO COUGHED TOWARDS DEPUTY, CLAIMING HE HAD COVID-19 WILL FACE MULTIPLE CHARGES, SHERIFF SAYS SUCH ACTS WILL BE...

Posted by Martin County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, March 29, 2020

Listen

news

weather

traffic

mobile apps

Everything you love about wsbradio.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!