Lethbridge man exposed to COVID-19 charged with assault after coughing in officer's face, police say

A Lethbridge man who told police he'd been exposed to COVID-19 has been charged with assault after intentionally coughing in an officer's face, according to the southern Alberta city's police force.

On Thursday morning, police were called to reports of a domestic assault on the city's northside.

When officers arrived atthe home, theyfound a 27-year-old man who was allegedly in breach of his bail conditions.

As the man was being arrested, he coughed in an officer's face "and told him he hoped he'd get infected," according to a release sent out Friday.

The suspect also told officers he'd been exposed to someone in quarantine, police said.

Charges against the man include assaulting a peace officer and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Police have not named the accused, who isstill in custody awaiting a bail hearing.