Iowa Man With COVID-19 Intentionally Tries To Spread Virus To Officer, Gets Arrested

Mark Bishop, 61, of 797 S.E. Waterview Circle, Waukee got more than he bargained for when he tried to spread the COVID-19 virus. The man had already advised the Dallas County Jail that he had the virus although this has yet to be properly backed up by an expert.

Police were searching for Bishop’s home, likely looking for a .380 Ruger handgun. Last week, an arrest warrant was issued for Bishop after a neighbor claimed that he had a gun in his hand when answering the door. The gun was allegedly pointed in her direction, Newsweek reported. Bishop has denied the allegation.

Bishop got into even bigger trouble when he purposely coughed several times at Waukee County Police officer Dace Robinson. He states that Bishop purposely did it and not only once and straight to his face, The Perry News reported.

According to Richardson, Bishop “knowingly tried to spread the virus on myself and put me in fear for my health.” The 61-year-old was arrested while also displaying a dangerous weapon. He was also booked for assault with intent to inflict serious injury.

Bishop is now detained without bond at the Dallas County Jail. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance at the Dallas County District Court.

In October, Bishop was convicted of disorderly conduct in connection with an Aug. 18 incident. At that time, Bishop had allegedly removed a firearm from his gun safe and also removed the magazine. He discharged the round in the chamber of the gun in his bedroom and the bullet went through the wall that joined two properties.

The bullet damaged the wall in the adjoining residence and ricocheted off of the wall and the bathroom cabinet. It would later on be found at the bathroom rug near the bathroom door. Bishop has been ordered to pay $327.05 in restitution.

As for the coughing part, there is no telling if the COVID-19 virus was successfully transmitted to Robinson. There was no mention if the police officer would undergo proper testing to see if the disease was transmitted.