This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
10/03/2024 12:38 PMPress Release from East Haven Police Department
On Oct. 1, at approximately 7:44 p.m., the East Haven Police Department (EHPD) was dispatched to the Dunkin’ located at 704 Foxon Road following a report of an attempted carjacking in the drive-through. The suspect, later identified as William Rodriguez, 28, of New Haven, attempted to steal a vehicle from a female operator.
The incident began when Rodriguez pulled into the parking lot and parked his vehicle directly in front of the victim’s car while she waited at the drive-through window. He then exited his vehicle, entered the victim’s car through the passenger door, and demanded her keys. When the victim refused, Rodriguez began punching her. The victim managed to escape and then ran inside the Dunkin’ building to seek help.
A female employee working at the drive-through witnessed the attack and quickly alerted two male employees. The two employees rushed outside, where they confronted Rodriguez, who was struggling to operate the victim’s vehicle. They successfully removed him from the car and restrained him on the ground until police arrived.
Upon the EHPD’s arrival, Rodriguez was taken into custody after a brief struggle. While receiving medical attention from an East Haven Fire Department medic, Rodriguez bit the medic’s hand. Rodriguez was subsequently transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he remained under guard until being transported to the EHPD for processing.
The vehicle which Rodriguez was driving, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, had been reported stolen out of New Haven. The New Haven Police Department responded to the scene and took custody of the vehicle for further investigation.
Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including breach of peace in the second degree, assault on emergency medical personnel, robbery in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the second degree, assault on a pregnant person, assault in the third degree, interfering with an officer, and two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle. Rodriguez was held on a $250,000 bond for those charges.
Rodriguez also had multiple outstanding arrest warrants totaling $475,000 and two outstanding warrants from Troop A and Troop I of the Connecticut State Police.
Rodriguez was transported to court and slated to be arraigned on Oct. 2.
The EHPD commends the quick and courageous actions of the Dunkin’ employees who helped bring this dangerous situation under control.