North Carolina Man Accused of Spraying HIV Blood Into Hospital Employees’ Eyes
RALEIGH, N.C. — A 25-year-old North Carolina man has been arrested months after allegedly removing his IV and spraying HIV-positive blood into the eyes of two hospital workers at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, authorities said.
Incident at UNC Rex Hospital
According to police and court documents obtained by People and WRAL News, Kameron Gilchrist was receiving treatment for diabetes on March 21 when he suddenly tore the IV line from his arm and squirted blood at two hospital employees as they were performing their duties.
An arrest warrant stated that Gilchrist “sprayed HIV blood into the eyes of [the] victim” while the staffers were working. The warrant also notes that both employees were engaged in their official hospital responsibilities when the assault occurred.
Gilchrist was taken into custody on September 11, nearly six months after the incident, and charged with two counts of assault on emergency personnel.
Hospital and Police Response
Raleigh police said the delay in booking Gilchrist was due to him receiving medical and psychiatric treatment following the March altercation. A spokesperson for UNC Health Rex confirmed the hospital has been cooperating with law enforcement and is strengthening its safety measures for medical staff.
“The safety of our healthcare workers is our top priority,” the hospital said in a statement, noting that they continue to pursue charges in cases of violence against staff.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two hospital employees have tested positive for HIV following the exposure.
Growing Concerns Over Hospital Staff Safety
The incident highlights a troubling rise in violence against healthcare workers nationwide. Reports show that hospital staff have faced increasing verbal and physical assaults in recent years — a trend that has prompted hospitals to add more security officers and protective training for staff.
Gilchrist is currently being held at the Wake County Jail on a $25,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for December 8. If convicted on both counts, he could face up to seven years in prison.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel invites readers to share their views on workplace safety in healthcare and how hospitals can better protect frontline medical staff. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for updates on this developing story.
