Sheriff’s Office: Suspect threatens to infect deputy with COVID-19, deputy now in quarantine

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said a suspect who may have COVID-19 threatened to infect the deputies arresting him Sunday night.

The Sheriff's Office said a deputy conducted a traffic stop and found that the suspect, David Soliz, had a no bail warrant and is on post release community supervision. During a search, the Sheriff's Office said a loaded concealed gun was found in his waistband and meth and drug paraphernalia was found in his hotel room.

During the arrest, Soliz apparently had a cough and refused to wear a mask. The deputy said they tried to put a mask on him, but said he pulled away, said he hoped to infect deputies and exaggerated his cough.

Before being taken to the Monterey County Jail, Soliz was brought to Natividad. While there, the Sheriff's Office said he continued to refuse to wear a mask and refused a COVID-19 test. After a chest X-Ray, he was diagnosed with pneumonia, and the doctor said he likely does have COVID-19 due to his symptoms.

The Sheriff's Office said the arresting deputy is in quarantine until a COVID-19 test is administered.

"It is sad to hear about this evil person, but at least he is locked away in our jail, away from the public. He is also away from other inmates while in quarantine. But, he continues to express a desire to risk the health and safety of our jail personnel and we are doing our best to be as safe as possible," the Sheriff's Office said in a social media post.