N.H. Paramedic Charged With Assaulting Patient

MANCHESTER, N.H. --

A Manchester paramedic has been accused of sexually assaulting a patient in the back of an ambulance.

David Powers, 32, was charged with two counts of sexual assault.

Manchester police said that in July, a 19-year-old Center Barnstead woman suffered a medical episode at a local Walmart and was taken to a hospital. Investigators said Powers, one of the paramedics treating her, assaulted her while she was in the ambulance.

"When they arrived at the Elliot (Hospital) after the ambulance had left and she felt it was safe to do so, she reported the assault to the medical professionals at the Elliot Hospital," said Sgt. Kristen Taylor.

Manchester police said that report prompted five weeks of investigation by the new Hillsborough County Sexual Assault Resource Team.

"They then followed their protocol for any type of sexual assault report," Taylor said. "They notified advocates, as well as law enforcement at the victim's request, and then they completed their sexual assault examination on her, as well."

Police said the investigation resulted in warrants being issued last week, and Powers turned himself in.

The ambulance company, American Medical Response, said it continues to cooperate with Manchester police. The company said Powers was placed on unpaid administrative leave as soon as the company was contacted by Manchester police.

Powers is free on $1,000 bail and is due in court later this month.