Florida man coughs toward deputy after claiming he has COVID-19, Sheriff’s Office says

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 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.

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

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Sheriff William Snyder said that 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.

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