LAUREL, Md. — A Severn woman has been charged for claiming to have COVID-19 and assaulting a staff member at a housing complex.
Anne Arundel County Police say it all began on April 1 around 1:45 p.m., when the suspect's car was towed at 1 Ellen Street in Laurel.
Jackie Lynn Bartell is accused of entering the leasing office and demanding that a worker reimburse her for the towing costs.
When the victim said no, Bartell allegedly grabbed the victim's arms and told her she was COVID-19 positive, and going to give the victim the virus.
Bartell then fled the area, but officers were able to track her down two days later and issue a criminal summons charging her with multiple Maryland Emergency Management violations.
It's unclear if the suspect ever did test positive for the virus.
