Drunk Man 'Threw Bodily Fluids' At NJ Officers: Cops

NEWTON, NJ - A 61-year-old Newton man was arrested and charged after driving drunk, resisting arrest and tossing bodily fluids at arresting officer all while in defiance of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order to stem the spread of COVID-19, according to Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.

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“We’re cracking down on those who jeopardize public health and undermine public safety,” said Grewal. “We have zero patience for those who spit on cops, gouge prices, or try to exploit this pandemic for their personal gain.”

David Hathaway was arrested on May 9 by the Andover Township Police Department for DWI, throwing bodily fluids at a law enforcement officer (4th degree), resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders, authorities said. When Hathaway was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, he allegedly resisted arrest and threw a facial covering containing blood and saliva at officers, authorities said.

“Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.”

Since the state of emergency was declared in New Jersey on March 9, at least 29 people have been charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency for spitting, coughing, or otherwise threatening to deliberately expose officers, medical personnel, or others to COVID-19. Second-degree offenses carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violati...

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