#Man gets two years for spitting on cop, saying he had COVID

An Oregon man was sentenced to more than two years in prison for spitting on a police officer and claiming he was infected with COVID-19.

Daniel Ray Stubblefield, 36, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment and menacing in the March 23 incident, The Bulletin reported.

Police in Bend, Ore., had been responding to a report that Stubblefield was intoxicated and assaulting someone.

Though that person decided not to press charges, officers took Stubblefield into custody on two arrest warrants involving different cases.

Then, cops said, Stubblefield told an officer he’d tested positive for coronavirus — before coughing loudly and spitting on his face four times.

The cop later tested negative for the virus.

Stubblefield’s attorneys said he’s long struggled with mental health and alcohol issues.

He’s had 28 prior criminal convictions. As part of his plea deal, three other pending cases against him were dismissed.

At his sentencing in Deschutes County Circuit Court on Thursday, Stubblefield said he was embarrassed by his multiple run-ins with the law.

“Most of the time, I can’t even remember these things when I’m told what I’ve done,” he told Judge Alison Emerson.

“I just wake up in jail. I’ve been trying very hard to beat this addiction. I’m sorry to all that I’ve hurt.”

The judge wished him good luck behind bars.

”Hopefully there will be some changes that come about, because I think there is redemption on the other side,” she said.