Chicago Police officers responded to an accident call in Rogers Park on Sunday, March 22. When they got to the scene, the car accident was the least of their worries. As they went up to the scene of the accident, they were approached by 21-year-old Anthony Ponzi.
Officers put in the report that Ponzi seemed “highly agitated” and was “foaming at the mouth” when they came into contact with him. As the officer tried to check Ponzi for signs of impairment, the man yelled “corona” and coughed in the face of the officer.
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In response, the officer tried to avoid contamination, but felt the particles of saliva and the man’s breath on his face.
Ponzi later told the staff at a hospital that he was not infected with COVID-19.
Ponzi was arrested and was put in front of a judge on Monday. His attorney told the judge that Ponzi, who is a sophomore in college, is currently under the care of a doctor for mental health problems and substance abuse.
His current charges include battery, DUI, and resisting arrest. The judge released Ponzi on his own recognizance. He stated that Ponzi lacked a criminal history and was likely under the influence of alcohol at the time of the alleged battery incident with the police officer.
Judge Charles Beach did state that he was concerned by the battery of a police officer, especially when bodily fluids were involved. The times we are currently dealing with makes it even riskier. The judge held the hearing from a video conferencing software.
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