Police: Crystal Lake woman coughed, threatened to give officers COVID-19 – Northwest Herald

A 58-year-old Crystal Lake woman is accused of intentionally coughing on officers who responded to an alleged domestic battery at her home.

Citing privacy reasons, Crystal Lake police declined to say whether Cynthia G. Ventrella previously tested positive for COVID-19 before she allegedly threatened to transmit it.

Officers responded about 1 a.m. Sunday to Ventrella's home in the 900 block of Alexandria Boulevard for a well-being check on an adult male. The caller reported hearing a potential domestic battery at the residence while she was on the other side of an open phone line, Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Thomas Kotlowski said.

Ventrella was arrested and charged with domestic battery after police say she caused several cuts and scratches to the man's face "through unknown means," according to a criminal complaint. She was additionally charged with aggravated assault to a peace officer and obstructing identification.

According to the criminal complaint, Ventrella gave police a false date of birth and middle name. She's also accused of coughing on the arresting officer "after receiving several warnings to stop coughing on the officers."

"She continued to cough once being placed under arrest and threatened to contaminate the officer with COVID-19 ...," according to the complaint.

Ventrella was released Monday from the McHenry County Jail without posting a monetary bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 16.

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Police: Crystal Lake woman coughed, threatened to give officers COVID-19 - Northwest Herald