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Attorney Says Paul Attack Not Politically Motivated

Warren County Regional Jail

Some new information is coming to light as to why a retired physician assaulted U.S. Senator Rand Paul at his Bowling Green home over the weekend. 

According to the arrest warrant,  Rene Boucher admitted to police that he went onto Paul’s property and tackled him causing broken ribs and cuts to Paul’s face. 

Boucher's attorney, Matt Baker, issued the following statement to WKU Public Radio:

"Senator Paul and Dr. Boucher have been next door neighbors for 17 years.   They are also prominent members of the local medical community and worked together when they were both practicing physicians.  The unfortunate occurrence of November 3rd has absolutely nothing to do with either's politics or political agendas.   It was a very regrettable dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.  We sincerely hope that Senator Paul is doing well and that these two gentlemen can get back to being neighbors as quickly as possible."

Meanwhile, Rene Boucher is free after posting a $7,500 bond.  As a condition of his release, the retired anesthesiologist was ordered to have no contact with Paul, his family, or his offices.  Boucher must stay at least a thousand feet away from the senator unless at his home next door to Paul.  He was also ordered not to possess firearms or weapons of any kind. 

Boucher is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday. 

The FBI has confirmed it’s investigating the attack to determine if any federal laws were violated.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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