'Healer' Arrested For Allegedly Infecting 16 People With HIV After Skipping Trial

Swiss police arrested a self-affirmed healer after he didn't show up for trial Thursday where he stands accused of infecting 16 people with HIV using acupuncture needles, Reuters reported Friday.

Reuters reported that Swiss police said on Friday that they stormed the home of the 54-year-old "healer," who had barricaded himself inside. He was armed with a knife and had issued repeated threats. An unidentified woman with him was also arrested.

Last August, the man was indicted on charges for intentionally spreading human disease and causing serious bodily harm, the Associated Press reported. The penalties for this alleged crime varies between five and 10 years in prison for each case.

In accordance with Swiss criminal proceedings, the suspect's identity has not been released.

The "healer," taught at a music school where Swiss media said where the students made up the majority of those infected with HIV.

The accused man denies charges that he allegedly infected one patient with the HIV when he allegedly used acupuncture treatments to the person.

He has had been freed on bail since August. His trial began on March 6, but he stopped turning up in court on Thursday, police said.

All the victims tested positive for the same strain of HIV, according to World Radio Switzerland, citing an expert testifying at the man's trial last week. But the expert said that it is unlikely that the man transmitted the disease via acupuncture needles, and he most likely used a syringe.