As the novel coronavirus crisis continues, the Vancouver Police Department has issued a warning, after two people were charged with assault for allegedly coughing or spitting on officers.
On Wednesday, Chief Adam Palmer stated on Twitter: “We’ve had 2 recent incidents where suspects are threatening, coughing or spitting at #VPD officers & claiming to have #COVID19 – both charged with assaulting an officer. So proud of our members showing courage in the face of adversity.”
VPD spokesperson Sgt. Aaron Roed told Mornings with Simi that you can be charged with aggravated assault if you know you may have COVID-19 and you intentionally cough or spit on someone.
“Don’t think that you stating that you have COVID-19 and using that to possibly assault another person, that we’re not going to do anything about it. We will be charging you,” he said.
Coquitlam RCMP reported a similar incident earlier this week.
A suspect was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and told Mounties he was sick, then allegedly turned his head towards three officers and intentionally coughed in their faces.
He was charged with break and enter, theft under $5,000, and assaulting a police officer.
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