EAST HAVEN, Conn. — A New Haven man is facing several charges after an attempted carjacking in a drive-thru, East Haven police said.
The incident happened around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators said 28-year-old William Rodriguez pulled into the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot on Foxon Road and then parked his vehicle directly in front of the victim's car while she was waiting in the drive-thru.
Rodriguez then left his vehicle, entered the victim's car through her passenger door, and demanded her keys.
Police said Rodriguez began punching the victim following her refusal, and she managed to escape and run inside the store for help.
An employee who was working at the drive-thru witnessed the attack and quickly told two other employees. Officials said the two employees rushed outside and confronted Rodriguez, who was struggling to drive off in the woman's car.
The two employees managed to yank Rodriguez from the car and restrain him on the ground until officers arrived, police said.
When East Haven police got to the scene, Rodriguez was taken into custody "after a brief struggle." According to officials, Rodriguez bit the hand of a medic with the East Haven Fire Department, who was trying to give Rodriguez medical attention.
He was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he remained under guard until he was taken to the police department for processing.
East Haven officials said the car Rodriguez was driving was also reported stolen out of the New Haven area.
New Haven police also responded to the scene and took over the vehicle for further investigation.
Rodriguez was charged with second-degree break of peace, assault on emergency medical personnel, third-degree robbery, second-degree reckless endangerment, assault on a pregnant person, third-degree assault, interfering with an officer, and two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle.
Rodriguez was held on a $250,000 bond.
East Haven officials said Rodriguez also had multiple outstanding arrest warrants that totaled $475,000 and two outstanding warrants from Connecticut State Police Troop A and Troop I.
The East Haven Fire Department commended the "quick and courageous actions" of the Dunkin Donuts employees who "helped bring this dangerous situation under control."
---
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
Apple App Store: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
