Police in Hamilton say a man drove under the influence, spit at officers, and then claimed he had COVID-19 and was going to infect everyone.

 

Police were dispatched Sunday to the 1200 block of South Olden Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a car into a house. 

According to police, responding officers found Dennis Steward, 52, of New York, attempting to walk away from the scene.

Police determined Steward was driving while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest. 

While transporting Steward to a nearby hospital, he began acting aggressive and said he had COVID-19. Steward said he intended to infect everyone with the virus.  

Once at the hospital, he began to purposely spit in the direction of officers and hospital staff. One of the officers was eventually spit on.

Steward was charged with DUI, terroristic threats, and throwing bodily fluid at law enforcement officers.

He was housed at the Mercer County Correctional Facility awaiting arraignment.