CMPD chief, judge test positive for COVID-19 after work trip to Wilmington

CHARLOTTE — Channel 9 has learned that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has tested positive for COVID-19.

Sources told anchor Allison Latos on Tuesday afternoon that Jennings had tested positive for the virus. Shortly before 4:15 p.m., the chief took to social media to confirm that he, indeed, has tested positive.

This afternoon, I received confirmation that I tested positive for COVID-19. I immediately quarantined myself at home several days ago after learning that I had been exposed to the virus.
— Chief Jennings (@cmpdchief) December 8, 2020

Jennings, Judge Elizabeth Trosch and District Attorney Spencer Merriweather flew to Wilmington on Dec. 2 to visit a site concerning an initiative involving the impact of childhood exposure to violence and Adverse Childhood Experiences, officials said.

Trosch began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on Dec. 3 and tested positive for COVID-19 the next day.

Jennings and Merriweather immediately self-quarantined after they found out about Trosch, officials told Channel 9. Jennings was tested on Dec. 8 and learned of his positive diagnosis the same day.

Merriweather was tested on Dec. 7 and learned Tuesday evening that his test was negative. He will continue to quarantine.

The Wilmington meeting was hosted by the Winer Family Foundation and the New Hanover/Pender County District Attorney’s Office in Wilmington. The trio took a private flight chartered by the foundation to avoid additional exposure on a commercial flight, according to a release from the DA’s office.

All safety precautions, which included wearing masks and social distancing, were taken on the flight and during their site visit, officials said.

Dep Chief Jeff Estes: CMPD Chief and others were masked up on flight to conference in Wilmington. Chief Jennings now positive for Covid pic.twitter.com/Z1R6TvZIAb
— Mark Becker (@MarkBeckerWSOC9) December 9, 2020

Health officials could not identify the interaction as the source of the COVID-19 diagnoses.

Jennings said he has been quarantining for several days at home after learning he had been exposed to the virus.

“Outside of being a bit fatigued, I feel fine and continue to conduct department meetings from home,” Jennings said on Twitter. “Our community should rest easy knowing that daily CMPD operations will resume without interruption and be carried out by members of my executive staff.”

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CMPD has not said yet if any other officers or personnel close to Jennings have tested positive or are in quarantine.

“This virus has impacted far too many of us,” Jennings said. “Please continue to follow health guidelines as we fight this battle together.”

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