Alleged child molester stabbed multiple times at the Sonoma County Jail

An alleged child molester held at the Sonoma County Jail was stabbed multiple times in the face and body by another inmate Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.

Bernabe Martinez Ramirez, 26, of El Verano is suspected of using a hairbrush filed to a point to stab the unnamed 44-year-old victim from Santa Rosa in the exercise yard of the protective custody unit around 4:15 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office said in a prepared statement.

A correctional deputy heard a commotion in the yard, saw the fight and called for backup before separating the two inmates, the Sheriff’s Office said. Ramirez was placed in handcuffs once additional deputies arrived to help detain him.

The 44-year-old stabbing victim was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for his injuries and was released back to the jail at 11:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office said. He was booked in jail Feb. 1 and had been housed with Ramirez since Feb 6.

Ramirez has been an inmate at the jail since June on charges of battery of a peace office, DUI and child endangerment among other enhancements for past crimes, the Sheriff’s Office said.

It is not known if the victim’s child molestation charges prompted the attack, the Sheriff’s Office said.

You can reach Staff Writer Nick Rahaim at 707-521-5203 or nick.rahaim@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @nrahaim.