Police charge man after falsely claiming he had COVID-19 during arrest

Joondalup Detectives have charged a 33-year-old man with Create False Belief; and Making or Possession of Explosives Under Suspicious Circumstances, as a result of their ongoing investigation into an incident that occurred on the 11 March 2020 in Redcliffe.

It is alleged on 11 March 2020, the man was arrested by Joondalup Detectives on serious family violence matters and during the arrest he told officers he had a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Around 5.40pm on 12 March 2020, it is alleged the man admitted to custody officers he lied about having the virus and on 13 March 2020, his COVID-19 test results came back negative.

Ongoing investigations into the man’s activities by Joondalup Detectives, linked the man to an incident that occurred in Redcliffe on 4 March 2020. The incident involved an explosion and an explosive device that was located left on the road resulting in Tactical Response Group Bomb Technicians attending and securing the device.

The man who is currently in custody has been summonsed to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on 23 April 2020.

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