Port St. Lucie MRI technician arrested for felony sexual battery of patient
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
The Port St. Lucie Police Department arrested Gabriel Cruz, a 42-year-old MRI technician, on charges of felony sexual battery after a 64-year-old female patient reported being assaulted during an MRI procedure at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
On Sept. 14, 2026, detectives responded to the hospital, located at 1800 SE Tiffany Ave., after staff reported that the patient disclosed she was sexually assaulted while undergoing an MRI the previous day.
Detectives learned the victim had been admitted for medical treatment and was administered medication that caused her to become significantly drowsy prior to the procedure.
Cruz was identified as the MRI technician assigned to the procedure.
Video evidence obtained with the hospital’s assistance showed Cruz exiting the MRI room after the victim and disposing of materials that were later secured by law enforcement. Testing of the materials returned presumptive positive results for the presence of male semen.
Detectives confirmed Cruz had been working at the hospital as a travel MRI technician since Aug. 24, 2026, and was hired through a third-party agency.
Following the review of evidence, detectives determined there was probable cause to charge Cruz with sexual battery, a first-degree felony under Florida Statute 794.011(4)(b), involving a victim who was physically helpless or incapacitated.
Cruz was arrested in Brevard County on the evening of Sept. 16, 2026, in connection with the investigation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital has cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation. In a statement, the hospital said, “We do not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the safety or security of our patients. When this serious allegation was reported to us, we contacted law enforcement and ended the individual’s assignment. We have assisted law enforcement throughout its investigation and remain focused on supporting our patient.”
The Port St. Lucie Police Department reminded the community to report incidents of sexual assault immediately to law enforcement or trusted resources, emphasizing that such reports can ensure victims receive support and allow law enforcement to investigate.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
Follow us on social: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok