‘Ele‘ele man pleads not guilty to allegedly biting a nurse at a Kaua‘i hospital

An ‘Ele‘ele man has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge after he allegedly bit a nurse at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital Emergency Room last year. 

Chay Ramirez, 22, pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault during his arraignment and plea hearing in Kaua‘i Fifth Circuit Court on March 5. 

The charge surrounds a Nov. 29, 2023 incident, when Ramirez was transported to the hospital by first responders after being found unconscious at an undisclosed location. 

After regaining consciousness, Ramirez allegedly made “threatening remarks towards hospital staff and inflicted serious bodily injury upon a nurse by biting her as she was attempting to administer medication,” the Kaua‘i Police Department said. 

Ramirez was later arrested by officers and released pending investigation. Police officials stated more time was needed, beyond the maximum 48 hours of holding in police custody, for detectives to investigate the case before making formal charges. 

After further investigation, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney set charges, and a warrant was issued. Ramirez was then arrested on Feb. 21 for the alleged assault against the nurse. His bail was set at $25,000.

According to court records, Ramirez was released on a surety bond on Feb. 28.

Second-degree assault is a class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a maximum of $10,000 in fines.

“We hold health care professionals in high regard for their selfless devotion and expertise. It is unacceptable for them to feel unsafe when they are dedicated to saving lives and promoting well-being,” said KPD Chief Todd G. Raybuck in a statement.

“Assault is a highly punishable offense that carries significant repercussions. The Kaua‘i Police Department firmly stands against any acts of violence targeted at health care professionals and will take necessary action against such behavior. It is imperative that our health care professionals are not subjected to any form of threat or intimidation while carrying our their duties.”

Ramirez is next scheduled to appear in court on April 11 at 2:30 p.m. for a pretrial conference. His jury trial is set to start on May 13 at 8 a.m.