Man Coughs at Police and Security Officer After COVID-19 Test; Held Without Bail
Hagerstown MD April 4 2020 A Hagerstown man has been charged after an incident at Meritus Medical Center. Police say he purposefully coughed in the direction of a police officer and security guard.
On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at approximately 4:30 PM, a Deputy, assigned to work at Meritus Medical Center, assisted hospital security with an aggressive patient. The man, identified as Michael Palani Smith, 32, was in the Emergency Department. It was learned that Smith had been tested for COVID-19 prior to his arrival at the hospital. When asked to wear a protective bandana, Smith refused and became combative with staff and security.
Police say Smith yelled that he didn’t care if he infected others because no one cares about him. During the incident, the Washington Co Sheriff’s office says Smith pulled his bandana down and forcefully coughed several times in the direction of the Deputy and Security Officer.
After being moved to another room, police say Smith continued to be combative and attempted to harm himself. The medical staff was able to gain control.
During the incident, the deputy was wearing proper personal protective equipment; face mask, gloves, and glasses.
On April 1, 2020, a warrant was served on Smith for one count of Threat of Mass Violence and two counts of Assault 1st degree. Additionally, Smith was charged via criminal summons for two counts of Assault 2nd degree.
Smith is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center on no bond.
