SAN ANGELO, Texas — On Wednesday, April 22, officers from the San Angelo Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Shiloh Street for the report of a domestic disturbance.
When officers arrived, they found an intoxicated man, identified as Chad Ramirez, 27, standing in the parking lot and yelling at a female on the second floor of the apartment complex.
Ramirez was taken into custody for public intoxication and 23 outstanding warrants for arrest. Officers also found THC wax and drug paraphernalia on Ramirez during a search incident to his arrest.
During transport to the Tom Green County Jail, Ramirez told the officer that he had been sick for more than a week and has COVID-19. The officer, fearing exposure to the potentially life-threatening illness, and wanting to prevent any potential exposure to jail staff, transported Ramirez to Shannon Medical Center for assessment.
According to the SAPD release, while waiting for medical staff to evaluate Ramirez, he repeatedly coughed on and projected saliva onto the officer with each cough. Once medically-cleared, after showing no COVID-related symptoms, Ramirez became physically aggressive and a struggle ensued.
Officers had to apply a RIPP Hobble to Ramirez’s legs to prevent him from kicking the patrol unit’s windows out. Once at the jail, Ramirez continued to be combative and jail officials had to secure Ramirez in a restraint chair.
In addition to public intoxication; possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 2; possession of drug paraphernalia; and 23 warrants of arrest - Ramirez was charged with harassment of public servant and resisting arrest search or transport.
The San Angelo Police officer who Ramirez coughed on continues to have his health monitored and is symptom-free. Per temporary COVID-19 police policy, all employees are temperature-checked prior to beginning each shift and before entering police headquarters.
"The San Angelo Police Department values the safety of our citizens and officers, and we will continue to ensure that all officers and civilian staff do their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This includes wearing personal protective gear as needed, utilizing sanitizing liquids, sprays and wipes, and evaluating all suspects for COVID-19 symptoms before they are transported to jail. Anyone who claims they are trying to give the virus to another person will be subject to criminal charges," the release stated.
