Coronavirus: SC teen supposed to be under self-quarantine accused of coughing on officers

A South Carolina teen, who was supposed to be under self-quarantine, is accused of coughing on police officers who were trying to break up a fight at a Rock Hill park Monday evening, authorities said.

According to police, officers were called to Lige Street Park around 7:45 p.m. after getting word that several females were fighting, WSOC-TV reported. Police said as they were trying to break up the fight, a 17-year-old girl purposely coughed on and near two officers.

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After the incident, officers said they found out that the girl had recorded a video confirming that she intentionally coughed on the officers and that she thought it was funny. Her social media also showed that she had been given a doctor’s note to be under self-quarantine.

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Police said the exposed officers are now under self-quarantine and monitoring for symptoms, WSOC reported.

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The teen was arrested Wednesday and has been charged with breach of peace high and aggravated. She has since been released to her family and is on house arrest with video monitoring.

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“The safety of our officers is a priority," Rock Hill Police Chief Chris Watts told WSOC. "If someone willingly and deliberately exposes or attempts to expose our officers to the COVID-19 virus, we will fully investigate and bring all the applicable charges. We will take all incidents like this seriously.”