YUMA, Ariz. — A California man has admitted to posting videos of himself talking about coronavirus while coughing on a gas pump in Yuma.
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. He was brought to the police station for questioning.
Investigators say he admitted to making the videos. He said he was copying similar videos he’d seen online.
Police say he showed no signs or symptoms of COVID-19. He was not arrested and released.
Investigators, however, sent the case to Yuma County prosecutors for possible charges of unlawful use of infectious biological substance.
In the initial months of the pandemic, health officials said most of the virus’ spread came from people who were sneezing or coughing droplets that contained the virus. However, scientists now say there is evidence the coronavirus is spread by seemingly healthy people who show no clear symptoms.
