Alleged Rand Paul Attacker A New Bedford High Grad

There is a SouthCoast connection with Dr. Rene Boucher, the neighbor who allegedly attacked Kentucky Senator Rand Paul outside his home in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Multiple outlets are reporting that Boucher, a 59-year-old anesthesiologist and pain specialist, attended high school in New Bedford. He went on to study pre-med at Providence College, and then got his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Boucher also reportedly appeared on the television shopping network QVC in 2005, marketing a rice-filled vest designed to alleviate back pain, known as the Therm-a-Vest. It is no longer for sale, and Boucher reportedly retired from the medical field in 2015.

Senator Paul has five broken ribs and lung contusions following an attack at his Kentucky home Friday. The Republican was mowing his lawn, wearing headphones, when he was allegedly attacked by Boucher, who is out on a $7500 bond after being charged with assault.

NBC News is reporting a source informed them that the attack was possibly motivated by political differences, or a dispute over a property line.

The matter has been turned over to the FBI, because any attack on a member of Congress is considered to be a federal crime.

A Paul spokesman said the senator is in considerable pain. It is unknown when Paul will return to work.