A man claimed that he had HIV while he punched and bit two police officers patrolling Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, said investigators.
The two 24th District officers – a man and a woman – approached a man who they spotted exiting the passenger side of a 2004 Honda Accord with no tags parked on the sidewalk at 1200 E. Atlantic Street around 1:35 a.m. Wednesday.
The suspect, later identified as Cesar Ortega, 32, tried to run as the officers approached him, police said. A struggle then ensued as the officers tried to handcuff him, according to investigators.
During the struggle, Ortega allegedly threw punches at the officers and shouted, "I have HIV." He continued to punch, kick and head-butt the officers before biting their hands and arms, said Chief Inspector Scott Small.
"It actually broke the skin and drew blood," said Small.
The officers were finally able to detain Ortega. He was treated at Temple University Hospital for minor injuries. He was then charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, resisting arrest and other related offenses. Police say Ortega is known for doing and selling drugs in the area.
The two officers were taken to Aria-Frankford Hospital so their wounds could be thoroughly cleaned. They were listed in stable condition then released.
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"Anytime someone’s bit – a human bite – it is really potentially very dangerous," said Small.
