A 42-year-old MRI technician in Florida has been arrested after a patient reported that she was sexually assaulted while undergoing an MRI examination at a Port St. Lucie hospital. Investigators said the woman had received medication before the procedure that left her significantly drowsy.
Gabriel Cruz was arrested in Brevard County on Sept. 16 and faces a first-degree felony charge of sexual battery involving a person who was physically helpless or incapacitated, according to police. The investigation remains ongoing.
Patient Reported Alleged Assault After MRI
The incident reportedly occurred on Sept. 13 at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital. The 64-year-old woman was receiving medical treatment and had been given medication before the MRI that caused substantial drowsiness.
Hospital staff were informed the following day that the patient alleged she had been sexually assaulted during the examination. The information was subsequently reported to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, which began investigating the circumstances surrounding the allegation.
Investigators identified Cruz as the technician assigned to perform the MRI. Police said he had been working at the hospital as a travel MRI technician since Aug. 24 through a third-party staffing agency.
Police Cite Surveillance Footage and Forensic Evidence
As part of the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the MRI area with assistance from hospital personnel. Police said the video showed the patient entering and later leaving the imaging area, while Cruz was subsequently seen leaving the MRI room and discarding materials.
Investigators recovered the discarded items and conducted preliminary testing. According to police, several of the items produced presumptive positive results for the presence of male semen. Authorities said the evidence contributed to establishing probable cause for the sexual battery charge.
Cruz was taken into custody in Brevard County on the evening of Sept. 16. The investigation has not yet been completed, and authorities have not publicly disclosed whether they are examining any other potential incidents involving the technician.
Hospital Ends Technician’s Assignment
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital said it cooperated with investigators after the allegation was reported. The hospital also confirmed that Cruz’s assignment was terminated following the report and said it remained focused on supporting the patient during the investigation.
The case remains active. Cruz is accused of a crime and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
