Second ‘knucklehead’ arrested for intentionally coughing on others, claiming he had COVID-19, Murphy says

A second person was arrested for coughing on others and claiming they were now infected with COVID-19 on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said.

After New Providence police arrested a suspect for domestic violence, the individual told officers he was travelling and was infected with the novel coronavirus before coughing onto police and medical personnel, Murphy said.

“That this is the case of another knucklehead,” the governor said.

The individual was charged with a disorderly person offence, obstruction of justice and harassment on top of the domestic violence charge.

On Tuesday, Murphy announced a Freehold resident, later identified as George Falcone, was charged with making terroristic threats, obstruction of justice and harassment after allegedly intentionally coughing on a Manalapan Wegmans employee.

The governor also announced enforcement actions in Lakewood, where authorities issued citations for a large house party and a wedding.

“Our social distancing directives are not polite suggestions,” he said.