Wilmette Man Coughs On Cop, Claims To Have Coronavirus: Police

CHICAGO — An intoxicated Wilmette man suggested he had the new coronavirus before intentionally coughing in the face of a police officer Sunday in Rogers Park, police said. He now faces two felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer, among other charges.

Anthony Ponzi, 21, of the 1500 block of Greenleaf Avenue, was arrested around 8 a.m. in the 7400 block of North Wolcott Avenue after officers were dispatched to a call of a disturbance at a traffic accident.

Ponzi was speeding the wrong way down a one-way street when he collided with another car, the other driver told police. Ponzi then got out of his gray Jeep and attacked the other motorist, punching and kicking him, according to Chicago police.

Arriving officers reported they found Ponzi aggressively yelling, slurring his speech and foaming at the mouth.

"As officers were attempting to speak with the offender, he coughed/spit in the officers' faces and told them he had COVID-19," according to police. "[Ponzi] was placed into custody and transported to St. Francis, where he told hospital staff he did not have the virus."

The incident occurred less than 12 hours after an emergency statewide "stay at home" executive order took effect. The order was issued by Gov. JB Pritzker in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which had infected more than 1,000 Illinois residents and killed at least a dozen people in the state as of Monday.

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In addition to the felony charges, Ponzi was charged with two misdemeanor counts of resisting police, battery, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs and having a driver's license that had been expired for more than a year. He was also issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving the wrong way on a one-way street, according to police.

Ponzi was released on his own recognizance following a bond hearing Monday. He is due back in court in Skokie on March 30, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. A message seeking comment left at a listed phone number has not been returned.