Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information. We will continue to provide updates as the story develops.
An Owensboro man was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment Monday after allegedly intentionally exposing an Owensboro police officer to COVID-19 by blowing into his face.
Eric Markwell, 21, of the 1600 block of Manor Court, was being charged with trafficking in marijuana and trafficking in a controlled substance (drug unspecified) when he exposed the officer to the virus.
According to a citation from OPD, Markwell was discovered to have 13 ounces of marijuana on him at the time of his arrest, at a street value of $1,200. Markwell was also allegedly found with $60 worth of Lortabs on his person.
According to OPD Public Information Officer Andrew Boggess, Markwell was supposed to have been self-quarantining for 14 days when he breathed into the face of an arresting officer. Markwell then said he had tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Boggess.
Officers originally said they confirmed that Markwell had the coronavirus. Based on new information from OPD, officers did not actually confirm that Markwell had tested positive with any health officials.
According to Boggess, “Based upon his statement that he was positive and other evidence, we believe his statement to be true.”
Markwell is being held at the Daviess County Detention Center, where he will remain in quarantine for two weeks.
Jailer Art Maglinger said Markwell will be tested today with coordination through their medical provider at DCDC to determine whether or not he has COVID-19. It was Maglinger’s understanding that Markwell had presented symptoms of the virus after his girlfriend had tested positive for it, but that Markwell himself had not received a test nor positive result.
Aside from Markwell allegedly telling officers he had COVID-19, Maglinger also believes that OPD’s confirmation regarding Markwell’s statement to be true stemmed from the Green River District Health Department’s policy regarding patients.
The GRDHD could not comment on any individual medical information, but they can confirm that individuals living in the same household are treated as a presumptive positive and are asked to follow the same self-quarantine guidelines.
“Generally speaking, a close contact of a confirmed case that reports symptoms would be managed the same as a positive case and would be isolated until the symptoms have cleared for at least 72 hours,” said Clay Horton, GRDHD public health director. “However we can not comment on or provide any specific information on individual cases.”
The exposed OPD officer is now self-quarantining for 14 days, Boggess said.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
