Correctional deputies in the Sonoma County jail thwarted an attack that occurred yesterday on an inmate. The incident began at about 4:15 PM yesterday when a correctional deputy heard a commotion in the exercise yard in a protective custody module. This module is a housing area that only holds inmates in protective custody. This means the inmates don’t mix with the general jail population due to their charges, gang status or specific endangering issues that make them likely targets of other inmates.
The deputy looked out to the exercise yard and saw there was a fight taking place. While calling for backup, the deputy went to the yard to break up the fight. The deputy saw the suspect, 26-year-old Bernabe Martinez Ramirez, hitting another inmate in the face and body with a hairbrush that had been filed down to a point, repeatedly stabbing the victim.
The deputy was able to immediately break up the fight and got Ramirez into handcuffs once backup deputies arrived. The victim was treated for his injuries and was transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for multiple stab wounds. The victim was released from the hospital and brought back to the jail at about 11:30 PM.
Ramirez has been in custody since June 2017. The victim has been in custody since February 1, 2018. They have been housed together since February 6, 2018. Ramirez is in custody on a number of charges including battery on a peace officer, DUI, child endangerment and several enhancements due to prior offenses. The victim is in custody on child molestation charges. It is unknown exactly what prompted this attack. Detectives from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident and Ramirez has been re-arrested on new charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon in a jail.
Prepared by: Sgt. Spencer Crum
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
