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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.