It has been pointed out that the police tape would be in place a long long time even before the outbreak if it was associated with the arrest. But, what if it was related to the plea deal? That was breaking news at the time of the outbreak. Ink gives some vital information like how he did it, info on an Apocolyptic cult, the families, Bruce wane is really batman, whatever. Does this force someone's hand early?

I am just trying to square up some blurred lines.

we have:
Plea deal
"New" police tape (?)
Transfer to a mental health facility
A buyer for an RPG and rockets
Outbreak
Burt is delayed getting Lock and Loaded