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 7:44 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators said William Rodriguez, 28, pulled into the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot on Foxon Road (Route 80) and then parked a stolen car 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. Police 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.
“The bravery of those two employees that sprung into action, you know, we never want to encourage somebody to put their safety at risk. But you know, their actions are a testament to their bravery and we cant thank them enough," said East Haven Police Cpt. Joseph Murgo.
When police got to the scene minutes later, Rodriguez was taken into custody "after a brief struggle," officers said. According to police, Rodriguez bit the hand of a medic with the East Haven Fire Department, who was trying to give Rodriguez medical attention.
Rodriguez was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he remained under guard until he was taken to the police department for processing. Police believe he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Police 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 is facing charges of second-degree breach 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.
He appeared in a New Haven courtroom Wednesday, where the judge set his bond at $500,000.
In court, Rodriguez's attorney shared he does not have stable housing, and admits to having issues with substance abuse. His public defender also shared he has no financial means to post any sort of bond.
East Haven police 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.
Back at the Dunkin' on Route 80, neighbors who heard what happened are grateful that the employees were there to take action.
“Brave folks. Brave folks. You know, you just don’t know what anyone is carrying these days," said Todd Hankey, who was visiting the plaza where the incident occurred Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ve seen a lot of things happen and people just mind their business, something serious, especially a lady who’s pregnant," said Jonathan Ortiz, the manager at the AT&T store in the plaza. "You know a lot of people get killed over something pettier than that so thank God she’s alive too.”
Court papers reveal the victim in the case did report being in pain after getting punched by Rodriguez, but refused medical attention on scene.
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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