Two likely to face criminal charges after intentionally coughing on RCMP officers

TWO people could face criminal charges following incidents of individuals intentionally coughing on RCMP officers.

During separate incidents in April and May, individuals in police custody, who alleged they had COVID-19, intentionally coughed on Chilliwack RCMP officers.

The individuals, a 27-year-old woman from Chilliwack and a 28-year-old Agassiz man, did not exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19; however, the RCMP, under strict pandemic protocols, were required to monitor the officers’ health following the incidents.

All circumstances of the incidents are to be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service (BCPC) for their assessment of assault of a peace officer charges.

“Intentionally coughing [or] spitting on other people is not acceptable at the best of times and is considered a criminal act under the Criminal Code of Canada,” said Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesperson for the UFVRD, on Tuesday. “The risk of contracting the COVID virus in the work place is not limited to police but to every frontline worker serving our community.”

RCMP remind everyone who witnesses anything they believe to be suspicious in nature to contact police at 604-792-4611 or, should they wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).