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California man arrested, accused of intentionally coughing on Yuma gas pump

Posted at 12:16 PM, Apr 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-06 15:16:40-04

YUMA, Ariz. (AP) -- A California man has admitted to posting videos of himself talking about coronavirus while coughing on a gas pump in Yuma, Arizona.

The Yuma Police Department received several reports Saturday night about social media videos of a man coughing on a fuel pump handle and referencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers opened an investigation and determined the suspect was a 23-year-old man from Winterhaven in Imperial County. He was brought to the police station for questioning.

Investigators say he admitted to making the videos, and police said he showed no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

Investigators, however, sent the case to Yuma County prosecutors for possible charges of unlawful use of infectious biological substance.