INVESTIGATORS from Peel Regional Police Airport Division Criminal Investigation Bureau have charged a 28-year-old man with mischief after he claimed to have the coronavirus on board a WestJet flight.

On Monday, February 3 at 12:59 p.m., the man was on a WestJet flight headed to Montego Bay, Jamaica, when he stood up and announced that he had been to China and has the coronavirus. The announcement was shared with the flight crew and a decision was made to return the flight to Pearson Airport.

The man was assessed by medical staff upon arrival at Pearson Airport just after 2 p.m. and deemed to be symptom free.

James Potok from Vaughan, Ontario, was charged with mischief and breach of recognizance and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on March 9.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call investigators at the 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau  at 905-453-2121 ext.2233. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.