Cops: Jeannette burglary suspect coughs on police, says he 'might have corona' after struggle

A burglary suspect is accused of saying he “might have corona” and coughing on Jeannette police officers after a struggle Sunday.

Police were responding to 911 calls that a man who appeared to be under the influence was staggering on the street. Callers told 911 the man went into the gated backyard of a Good Street home in Jeannette and attempted to open the back door and two rear windows.

The man, identified as Joseph Peretto III, 45, then is accused of banging on a side door and yelling.

By the time police arrived, Peretto was standing outside talking to two other people, one of whom lives at the Good Street home, according to court documents. Jeannette police Officer Derek Manley said in his report he recognized Peretto, who was wearing all black and whose face was covered in a red bandanna.

When Peretto saw police, he hid his hand in his jacket, according to the report. Manley ordered him to show his hands, but Peretto did not, the report said.

Manley pulled out his stun gun and Peretto backed up, pulling his hand out of his jacket, the report said. He was not carrying a weapon, so Manley holstered his Taser and grabbed Peretto’s arm to arrest him, according to the report.

Peretto is accused of trying to pull away and run, and in the ensuing struggle he hit Manley in the head with his elbow, the report said.

Manley tackled Peretto, punching him several times as Peretto tried to grab Manley’s stun gun out of its holster, according to the report.

Officers subdued Peretto and searched him. He did not have a weapon.

He was carrying two flashlights and gloves and appeared to be under the influence, according to the affidavit.

After taking Peretto to the police station, officers asked him why he was wearing a red bandanna. Peretto is accused of answering “cause I might have corona,” and coughing in the direction of three officers.

Peretto is charged with attempted burglary, aggravated assault, disarming a law enforcement officer, possession of an instrument of crime, three counts of terroristic threats, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, simple assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment.

He is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison on $50,000 cash bail.

A preliminary hearing before District Judge Joseph DeMarchis is scheduled for May 14.