A 25-year-old North Carolina man, Kameron Gilchrist, is facing felony charges for allegedly using his HIV positive blood as a weapon against two healthcare workers. According to the arrest warrant, Gilchrist removed his IV during a diabetic treatment at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh and sprayed his blood into the eyes of a male and female employee.
The incident, which occurred in March, was described in the warrant as a deliberate and unlawful assault. The warrant alleges that Gilchrist “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did assault [the workers] … by spraying HIV blood into eyes.” The attack resulted in “irritation and exposure to HIV” for the victims, although it remains unclear whether they contracted the virus.
Gilchrist was not immediately arrested following the incident due to his ongoing medical and psychiatric treatment. He was eventually taken into custody in September. As reported by local NBC affiliate WRAL, UNC Rex Hospital officials could not comment on the specifics of the case due to the ongoing investigation.
However, the hospital did acknowledge a concerning trend of increasing violence against medical personnel. In response to this, the hospital emphasized its commitment to the safety of its employees. It is reportedly working closely with security teams and law enforcement to ensure the safety of all staff in the aftermath of the attacks.
Gilchrist is currently being held on a $25,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 8.