Man allegedly tells police he is COVID-19-positive, threatens to cough on them

A 30-year-old Regina man is facing an uttering threats charge after reportedly threatening officers that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would cough on them.

Around 11:41 p.m. on Saturday, police spotted a van driving at a high speed in the North Central neighbourhood. Police were unable to stop the vehicle or gather plate information.

A short time later, police say a marked police unit was parked on Fourth Avenue between McTavish and Argyle streets when a van swerved at the vehicle. The officer inside the vehicle was able to get it out of harm’s way.

Just before midnight, the Regina Police Service received a call from a Regina resident indicating her vehicle had been stolen and her detailed description matched the van that was involved in the near-collision with the police vehicle.

The stolen van was located on the 1400 block of Rae Street and the driver fled.

The suspect was arrested and while he was being transported back to police headquarters, he told police he tested positive for COVID-19 and would cough on the officers.

The man was not displaying any symptoms, but officers used personal protective equipment and took him into custody.

Along with uttering threats, John Aaron McDonald is facing multiple other charges including theft of a motor vehicle.

He made his first court appearance on Monday.