An inmate who was charged with assault after reportedly splashing a correctional officer with toilet water had her case bound over to the grand jury following a preliminary hearing. 

On Tuesday, Nichole Dawn Pike, 38, appeared in General Sessions court for a preliminary hearing. She is charged with assault after an incident that occurred on Dec. 9. Assistant District Attorney Felicia Walkup called Correctional Officer Abigail Vanwormer, the victim, as the first witness. Walkup asked her how she came into contact with Pike that day. 

“For safety and security; she was smearing things on the window and we couldn’t see her. We were asked to go in there and remove things from her cell to prevent her from doing that,” said Vanwormer. 

“What was it that she was smearing on the window?” asked Walkup.

“It was bodily fluids and toothpaste,” said Vanwormer. 

“I believe it was indicated that it was fecal matter,” said Walkup. 

“Yes, ma’am,” answered Vanwormer. 

Walkup asked if that kind of behavior was allowed at the jail and Vanwormer said it was not. Vanwormer explained that when they were exiting the cell, Pike began splashing toilet water out of the cell. The water reportedly went through a vent and hit Vanwormer. 

“Did you find that a little bit unnerving to be splashed by toilet water out of the jail cell?” asked Walkup. 

Vanwormer said yes and that is what led to the assault charge. Bill Cathcart with the Public Defender’s Office then cross-examined Vanwormer. He asked if Pike tried to strike any of the officers when they entered and she said no. He then asked how the water came into contact with her, and Vanwormer said she was unsure because there was a concrete wall obstructing the view, but camera footage shows it going through the vent. 

“Approximately how much water made contact with you?” asked Cathcart. 

“Just a few droplets, not a whole bunch,” said Vanwormer.

“Did it cause any injury of any kind?” asked Cathcart. 

“No, but I have to get blood tests as a precaution,” said Vanwormer. 

“I see on the warrant, it says some of it entered your mouth, is that right?” asked Cathcart.

She said yes. Following questioning, Judge Ryan J. Moore found that the state met its burden of probable cause and bound the case over to the grand jury.