A Wahoo police officer has been arrested after a Pawnee City woman says he beat and strangled her last Friday. Officers arrested 28-year-old Juan Ramirez Jr. in Lincoln on Monday and he has been charged with assault by strangulation and domestic violence.
According to KLIN News partner 10/11, a deputy was called to the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital on Sunday on report of an assault. The 39-year-old victim said she’d been with Ramirez Jr. at her home on Friday when he started going through her phone.
10/11 reports that an arrest affidavit revealed that Ramirez Jr. did not like one of the victim’s friends and an argument broke out. Prosecutors allege Ramirez Jr. called her a degrading name before strangling her. According to a police sergeant’s report, the woman lost consciousness and had difficulties recollecting whatever happened next.
The woman had a large bruise on her head. 10/11 Now says according to the affidavit the woman said Ramirez Jr. had hit her across the head with an open hand. A police sergeant said the injury to her neck was still swollen and that she suffered bruising to her chest, arms, wrist, legs and shoulder.
An arrest warrant for Ramirez Jr. was signed on Monday and executed later that day. He is currently in the Lancaster County jail, awaiting extradition to Pawnee County. No bond has been set yet. 10/11 Now reports Ramirez Jr. was still employed as of Tuesday morning. Police Chief Joe Baulder told them Ramirez Jr. has served with the police department for about five months and remains a probational hire.
“He’s done a fine job. He’s worked important cases for us and done an excellent job, and he follows instructions very well, seems eager to please,” Chief Baulder told 10/11. “I have had no complaints with him here.”
(Photo: Lancaster County Department of Corrections)