Bloody man accuses woman

A paramedic is charged a second time with beating her ex-boyfriend.

By JUSTIN GEORGE, Times Staff writer
Published July 28, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - A Hillsborough County Fire Rescue paramedic has been accused of domestic battery for the second time in a little over a month.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office arrested Dawn Mewborn, 33, early Friday and charged her with simple battery, a domestic crime.

A sheriff's deputy, called to Mewborn's New Port Richey home, found James Pallace with several scratches and a small laceration on his eyelids and dried blood around his eye, according to an arrest affidavit.

Pallace told the deputy that he was returning the couple's son to Mewborn's home when she grabbed him in the face, causing the scratches.

Mewborn denied striking Pallace, who is her ex-boyfriend, the affidavit said. She said Pallace punched himself in the face several times, but the deputy said the wounds didn't appear to be caused by a punch.

On June 22, the Pasco sheriff's office arrested Mewborn and accused her of shoving her boyfriend to the ground at the Bourbon Street Night Club, on U.S. 19, in New Port Richey, and kicking him in the head, an arrest affidavit states. When her boyfriend went across the street to Taco Bell, Mewborn hit him repeatedly with a boot and fists, records show. She was charged with simple battery in that case.

Mewborn, who was hired May 2002, has been on an unpaid leave of absence since March, Hillsborough fire rescue Chief David Travis said.

He could not disclose the reason for the leave.

Travis said fire officials are aware of Mewborn's recent arrest and were investigating.

Justin George can be reached at 813 226-3368 or jgeorge@stpimes.com.

[Last modified July 28, 2007, 00:26:32]