Auckland man could face 14 years' jail for allegedly spitting on police while claiming to have COVID-19

Brian from New Lynn

Three police officers are now in isolation after allegedly being spat on while arresting the 30-year-old man in Silverdale. Police were called to the address after reports of a family harm incident late on Monday night - the man was arrested over a different matter. When officers tried to put the man in the car, he lashed out and began trying to hit and kick them while claiming he had tested positive for coronavirus. He is then alleged to have spat at the three police officers multiple times. All three officers have been isolated and two police cars are being decontaminated, a police spokesperson told. The alleged offender is being tested for the virus. If his test returns positive and he has infected the officers, he could face serious jail time. The penalty for knowingly infecting someone with disease is 14 years imprisonment. Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā District Commander, said the incident was "appalling". "We take this matter extremely seriously and we will not tolerate anyone who thinks it's acceptable to spit at our staff," she said.
The man has been charged with offences including assaults with intent to injure and resisting police, and was scheduled to appear in the Waitakere District Court on Tuesday.
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