Chicago firefighter accused of attempting to kill wife

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago firefighter was ordered held without bond Tuesday after being accused of attempting to kill his wife.

Joseph X. Ramirez, 55, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery and was ordered held by Cook County Judge Charles Beach.

Court records show Ramirez's wife suffered head injuries during the incident shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday in their home on the city's Northwest Side. Police found the woman on the street near her home and was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge for treatment.

Ramirez's lawyer, Steven Decker, said his client was acting in self-defense and that Beach's no-bond decision was not proportionate to the allegations. Decker said Beach's ruling will be challenged during Ramirez's next court date.

A Chicago Fire Department spokesman says Ramirez has been relieved of his normal duties for the time being.