Police: Fla. man put COVID-19 warning sign on door to avoid arrest

Deputies wore protective equipment when making the arrest, but there is no evidence the suspect had contracted the virus

April 23, 2020 08:55 AM

A Florida man attempted to evade arrest by taping a makeshift sign claiming he was infected with COVID-19 to his door.

Miami Herald

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man tried to deter authorities last week by placing a makeshift sign on his door that claimed he was infected with the coronavirus, police said.

Joshua Price, 28, was arrested on April 16 by officers who discovered the handwritten sign written in blue ink that read, “COVID 19 infected since 4/8/20.” Police said they wore full protective gear when taking him into custody.

“Placing a fake ‘Covid-19' sign on your door will not stop us from kicking it in when you have felony warrants for your arrest,” the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.

An investigation into the suspect discovered the sign was created by Price so he could potentially avoid arrest, police said. He had been wanted on several arrest warrants.

Price was taken into custody for fleeing and eluding law enforcement and violating his probation, according to the sheriff’s office. They added there was no indication Price had been exposed to the virus.