Police: Man Irked By Mask Request Coughs on Pub Patrons, Does Parking Lot Doughnuts

Plymouth Police say a Bourne man intentionally coughed on patrons and drove circles in the parking lot after employees of a Cedarville gastropub asked him to wear a face mask.

Edward McGuire, 59, turned himself into Plymouth police Tuesday, the day after the incident at the British Beer Company on State Road, Wicked Local Plymouth reports.

Police say McGuire coughed in the faces of two female customers and told them he hopes they get COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus. He also is accused of driving dangerously in the restaurant parking lot, putting outdoor diners at risk.

It reportedly happened Monday night after employees of the restaurant asked McGuire, who was walking about in the restaurant, to wear a face mask. Workers told police McGuire yelled and screamed at them and went up to two women and coughed on them, saying he hoped they got the virus. He then allegedly got into his vehicle and drove doughnuts in the parking lot, frightening diners.

The manager of the restaurant called police Tuesday morning, and McGuire turned himself in at noon. He is charged with two counts each of assault, threatening to commit a crime (murder) and threatening to bomb or hijack. He is also charged with single counts of negligent driving and disturbing the peace, subsequent offense.

Police said the charges of threatening to bomb or hijack are for coughing on the women, and that part of that law relates to the use of substances capable of causing injury or death. Police don't know if McGuire has the virus. McGuire was released on bail and scheduled for arraignment.

At least one person reportedly posted cellphone video of the incident to social media.