RALEIGH, NC – A Raleigh man faces felony charges after authorities say he intentionally sprayed his own blood at hospital workers, exposing them to HIV during a medical incident earlier this year.
Kameron Gilchrist, 25, was being treated for diabetes at UNC Rex Hospital in March when officials allege he removed his intravenous line and forcefully directed his blood into the eyes of two staff members providing his care. According to arrest documents filed in Wake County, the blood was confirmed to be HIV positive, leading to charges of felony assault on emergency personnel.
Investigators stated that both a male and female hospital employee were victims of the alleged assault, suffering irritation and HIV exposure as a result of the incident. It remains unclear if either worker has contracted HIV following the exposure.
Gilchrist was not taken into custody immediately due to ongoing medical and psychiatric treatment at the time of the alleged assault. He was eventually arrested in September and is currently being held in jail on a $25,000 bond.
The incident has amplified concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers. Officials at UNC Rex Hospital said that assaults against staff have become increasingly common, though they declined to comment specifically on the matter involving Gilchrist, citing the ongoing investigation.
Hospital administrators emphasized their commitment to protecting employees, noting that they are collaborating with both security teams and law enforcement to prevent future incidents. Recent data from medical associations suggest that violence in healthcare settings is a growing issue across the nation, prompting hospitals to enhance security measures and staff training.
The warrant alleges Gilchrist acted “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously” when he sprayed his blood in the direction of the workers’ eyes. Law enforcement records indicate that the exposure occurred while medical staff were in the process of providing necessary diabetic care.
So far, authorities have not released further details on whether additional precautions or support measures are being provided to the workers affected by the incident.
Gilchrist is expected to appear in court for a hearing scheduled on December 8. The case continues to be under investigation, with police declining to comment on further specifics.