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Dunkin’ employees spring into action to help a pregnant woman who is carjacked on a thoroughfare

Dunkin’ employees spring into action to help a pregnant woman who is carjacked on a thoroughfare

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – A Connecticut man is under arrest after police say he tried to rob a pregnant woman who was waiting for an order in a restaurant drive-thru.

William Rodriguez, 28, faces multiple charges including assault on a pregnant person, robbery and reckless endangerment.

According to East Haven police, the situation began around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at a Dunkin’ on Foxon Road.

Rodriguez parked his vehicle directly in front of the woman’s car while she waited at the drive-through window.

East Haven Police Capt. Joseph Murgo said the 28-year-old then got out of his vehicle, entered the woman’s car through the passenger door and demanded her keys.

When the woman refused, Rodriguez punched her before she managed to escape and run into the house to get help.

“A female transit employee witnessed the attack and quickly alerted two male employees,” Murgo said. “The two employees rushed outside and confronted Rodriguez, who was having difficulty operating the victim’s vehicle.”

Authorities said workers were able to lift Rodriguez from the car and pin him to the ground until police arrived.

When officers arrived, they said Rodriguez was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

According to police, Rodriguez bit the paramedic’s hand while receiving medical attention from an East Haven Fire Department paramedic.

He was then taken to Yale New Haven Hospital before ultimately being transported to the East Haven Police Department for further processing.

The vehicle Rodriguez was driving, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, was reported stolen in New Haven.

The New Haven Police Department responded to the scene and took the vehicle into custody for further investigation.

Rodriguez is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.

Authorities said Rodriguez also had several outstanding state police warrants for his arrest.

“The East Haven Police Department commends the quick and courageous actions of Dunkin’ employees who helped bring this dangerous situation under control,” Murgo said.

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