Earlier this month, Nicholas Conniry, a 43-year-old paramedic from San Diego, was arrested on multiple charges that included possession of controlled substances, assault-style weapons, burglary, and identity theft of over ten individuals. According to NBC San Diego, Conniry, who was employed by Falck Mobile Health, San Diego's ambulance provider, since October 2021, now faces over seven years in prison if convicted of all charges.
The burglary crimes are said to have taken place between July 3-4, 2023, with Conniry allegedly attempting to break into the residence of a previous medical call patient. A neighbor confronted Conniry, who was wearing his paramedic uniform and purple gloves at the time, and he claimed he was trying to retrieve his iPad that he had left at the scene during the call. The San Diego Police Department also requested a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order against Conniry, which detailed his arrest and seizure of numerous controlled substances found in his vehicle as reported by ABC 10 News.
Upon further investigation, San Diego Police found that Conniry had a history of substance abuse that caused him to miss work in 2021, and numerous coworkers disclosed that he appeared to have suffered a stroke or extreme intoxication while on duty, resulting in his hospitalization a few months prior as stated by NBC San Diego. Searches of Conniry's work and domestic premises revealed the presence of prescription drugs bearing the names of other individuals, including fentanyl, tramadol, and Vicodin, as well as several firearms registered under his name, unregistered "ghost gun" components, and ammunition in various rooms per the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Despite the allegations, Conniry's attorney, Howard Williams, has defended his client, stating that he is innocent until proven guilty and that the District Attorney is on a mission to ruin his client's reputation. Williams' office is conducting its own investigation into the matter and he has expressed confidence in exonerating his client in court.
In response to the charges, Falck Mobile Health has terminated Conniry's employment and is fully cooperating with law enforcement. The company has also been in close contact with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and assures the public that the fentanyl found in Conniry's possession did not come from their supply. In a statement to the Union-Tribune, Falck spokesperson Jeff Lucia further reiterated that the company had no information suggesting that the alleged crimes were committed during Conniry's work hours.
Conniry's preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this week, while the investigation continues into the extent of his criminal actions according to ABC 10News.
