Arraignment for ambulance assault suspect

WTNH Channel 8 - Local News
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The paramedic accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the back of an ambulance was in court on Thursday.

The defense lawyer is already making a case by attacking the credibility of the victim and questioning whether the paramedic really made a so-called confession.

Paramedic Mark Powell was swarmed by the media as he left the courthouse.

"We will look forward to addressing these charges in open court," Powell's lawyer Norm Pattis told the press.

The reporters tried to get answers from the paramedic accused of sexually assaulting a female patient in the back of an ambulance.

Hamden Police say he confessed. Detectives say even demonstrating how he touched the 22-year-old female victim.

His lawyer disputes this claim, saying there is no confession and asked officers for an audio tape or to see a written, signed account.

"We have serious disagreements with some of what the police reported he said. We don't believe he said them and we are prepared to challenge that," Pattis said.

Hamden Police declined to comment when asked if there is a tape recording or written confession.

Police have said a 22-year-old woman admitted to drinking heavily when she fell on Christmas morning. She told officers she awoke in the back of an ambulance to find herself being sexually assaulted by Powell.

Pattis calls her story unreliable.

The judge issued a protective order preventing Powell from contacting the woman.

Powell was put on unpaid leave after the accusations arose.

The defense asking this case to move fast. Powell is due back in court on January 24.


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