Police in central Massachusetts said they have arrested a hiker who told women he had COVID-19 and spit at them.Ashburnham police on Tuesday identified the suspect as Hale Powell, 71, of Westford. Charges include assault and battery, false threat of a biological agent.He was arrested this morning at his home without incident.Two young women were hiking in Ashburnham on the Midstate Trail on Sunday and stopped at a destination area known as the Hudson Overlook, where the Boston skyline is visible.Police said an older man and woman approached them, and the man commented that the women were not wearing protective face masks. Police said the man told them it was the “law” and that they were selfish. The man then turned toward them and said, “I have COVID” and began spitting at the women, video shows.“It was hostile, it was inappropriate, it was threatening, it could even be assaultive,” said Lt. Chris Conrad of Ashburnham police. The women reported the disturbing encounter to police. Officials said they have received dozens of tips in the past few days about the case.