VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) — A shoplifting suspect is accused of spitting on officers and telling them "they were going to die" after claiming he had COVID-19.
Patrol officers with the Valdosta Police Department responded to the1300 block North Troup Street on Wednesday night, to investigate a shoplifting case.
Upon arrival, officers quickly found and detained the suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Antonio McGee.
After determining that McGee had shoplifted a beer from the store, officers began to walk him to a patrol vehicle.
VPD says McGee then stated he had the coronavirus and began spitting on the officers while telling them they were going to die.
McGee was transported to Lowndes County Jail on multiple charges including terroristic threats and acts, battery on a police officer and theft by shoplifting.
"Our department has taken measures to determine if McGee is infected with COVID-19. We have also taken steps to
ensure our officers' health has not been compromised. The offender's actions towards our officers is uncalled for," said Lt.Scottie Johns with the Valdosta Police Department.
