Edison Man Coughs, Spits At Police, Says He Has Coronavirus: PD

EDISON, NJ — An unnamed Edison man coughed and spit at Edison police officers last week, telling them he has the coronavirus, said police.

The incident unfolded at 11 p.m. last Wednesday, April 1 at a private home in Edison Twp. The man's parents called the police at that time because he was "out of control," said police. Police found the man in the kitchen of his parent's home, where he appeared agitated.

He began coughing in the direction of the officers, and said “I have the coronavirus," said police. He further taunted officers, saying “I want somebody to come touch me.”

Police, along with his parents, attempted to calm him down, however the situation escalated and a struggle ensued, said Edison police. He began kicking and attempted to avoid being restrained, but after a brief struggle, he was subdued and placed into the rear of a police car, but not before kicking one of the responding officers, said police.

At Edison police headquarters, the man refused to get out of the squad car, and once again attempted to kick officers. Inside headquarters he again coughed and spit at officers and said “now you all have the coronavirus," said police.

Whether he actually has the virus is unknown at this time. No police officers were injured.

The man was charged with obstruction, terroristic threats, criminal mischief and three counts of aggravated assault on a police officer. He was taken to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center in North Brunswick.