A McMinnville resident racked up four assault on first responder charges on New Year’s Eve.

Travis Earl Myers, 37, was arrested on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 after McMinnville Police Department officers and emergency medical services were dispatched to a male subject reportedly stating, “I hate myself and wish I was dead” at Pinecrest Street. When officer Brianna Cooke arrived on the scene, the male was reportedly already on the gurney with E.M.S. and first responders.

Officer Cooke and Lt. Paul Springer identified the male to be Travis Myers. Cooke was reportedly advised to come to the ambulance due to the male being combative with E.M.S. workers. According to Cooke, “E.M.S. workers Daniel Scruggs, Henry Dekort and Curtis Triplett advised that Mr. Myers tried to spit on them while they were giving him medical care.”

Cooke and officer Tristan Shirley then placed Myers under arrest. As Myers was being escorted to Cooke’s patrol car, Myers reportedly spit at the officer. The officers had prior knowledge of Myers possibly being positive for H.I.V. (human immunodeficiency virus).

It should be noted that, according to the Centers of Disease Control, H.I.V. is not transmitted through saliva.

Myers was charged with four counts of assault on a first responder, disorderly conduct, and criminal exposure to H.I.V. He was arraigned on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 where his court date is set for Feb. 7.

Myers is currently being held on $65,000 bail.