Woman claims she was raped in ambulance

Hamden, Conn. (WTNH) - A paramedic is accused of raping a woman who was strapped to a stretcher.

"Paramedics, police officers, firefighters are in positions of tremendous trust. These allegations are a severe breach of that trust," said Hamden Police Chief Thomas Wydra.
 
A 22-year-old Hamden woman was being transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital in an American Response Ambulance after she fell on around 3 a.m. on Christmas. She was unconscious at the beginning of the trip, but claims when she woke up en route to discover that she was being sexually assaulted.

The victim contacted police after she was discharged from the hospital.

The police investigation uncovered enough evidence to arrest 49-year-old Mark Powell of North Haven. The AMR paramedic has been put on administrative leave by the company.

Police are horrified at what they discovered.

"She awoke in the rear of the ambulance to find she was being assaulted. At that time she could not speak and could not move because she was strapped to a stretcher," Captain Ronald Smith explained.

"It took great courage to come forward," said Chief Wydra. "It should be a message to other victims to please come forward."

Police won't elaborate on details. Sexual assault in the first degree involves the use of force.

"If it someone you depend on you should be able to trust them," said Hamden resident Jenna Dimenstein.

Police say the ambulance driver is not involved and that Powell acted alone. He is free on a $25,000 bond.

Powell is scheduled to appear in court on January 19 in Meriden.