Assault charges laid after man spit on Ottawa police officer, saying he had COVID-19
Posted Mar 27, 2020 06:10:00 PM.
A 33-year-old Ottawa man is facing a number of charges after an incident in which police say he spit on officers, telling them he was COVID-19 positive.
Officers responded to a call on Lagan Way, just east of St. Laurent Boulevard and south of Highway 417, at 6:26 a.m. on Friday, as witnesses watched a man break into a garage, steal a bicycle and leave the area.
Thanks to a detailed description of the man, Ottawa police were able to track him down.
Police say the suspect resisted arrest and spat on officers, repeatedly claiming to have COVID-19.
Shane Whelan has been charged with:
- Breaking and Entering
- Assault on Police
- Assault with Intent to Resist
- Theft Under $5,000
- Obstructing Police
- Breach of Probation
He appeared in Show cause court on Thursday.
The Ottawa Police Service is treating threats to the well-being and health of residents and its own members seriously. it says spitting on another person is considered an assault and charges will be considered accordingly.
