A New Brunswick man is facing burglary and weapons charges after he allegedly broke into a home, while naked and armed, and proceeded to tell police he had the coronavirus.

Terrance Edwards, 34, was arrested early Monday by New Brunswick police, according to a release from Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan about recent enforcement actions against alleged violators of Gov. Phil Murphy’s COVID-19 Executive Orders.

Edwards left the home and then allegedly attempted to break into a nearby residence but was not successful, according to the release.

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When police arrived, Edwards yelled that he had the coronavirus, the release states.

Edwards has been charged with burglary, a second-degree crime, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a third-degree crime, unlawful possession of a weapon, a fourth-degree crime, and violation of the executive orders, according to the release.

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Edwards’ arrest was one of nine COVID-19 enforcement actions taken statewide mentioned in the release.

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“Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis. Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders – or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” Grewal said in the release.

“Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators,” Grewal said.

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Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second-, third-, and fourth-degree indictable offenses.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.