Man accused of trying to rob pregnant woman in East Haven Dunkin driveway

EAST HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – A man was arrested for attempting to rob a pregnant woman who was waiting for an order at a drive-thru.

The suspect was identified as William Rodriguez, 28, of New Haven.

The incident happened around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at a Dunkin' on Foxon Road in East Haven.

“The incident began when Rodriguez pulled into the parking lot and parked his vehicle directly in front of the victim's car while he waited at the drive-through window,” said Capt. Joseph Murgo of the East Haven Police Department. “He then exited his vehicle, entered the victim’s car through the passenger door and demanded her keys.”

When the victim refused, Rodriguez hit her, police said. She managed to escape and ran into Dunkin' to seek help.

“A female transit employee witnessed the attack and quickly alerted two male employees,” Murgo said. “The two employees rushed outside where they confronted Rodriguez, who was having difficulty operating the victim’s vehicle. They managed to get him out of the car and held him on the ground until police arrived.”

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

While receiving medical attention from an East Haven Fire Department paramedic, Rodriguez bit the paramedic's hand, police said. He was then taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he remained under guard until he was transported to the East Haven Police Department for further evaluation.

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 was charged with second-degree breach of peace, assault on emergency responders, third-degree robbery, second-degree reckless endangerment, assault on a pregnant person, third-degree assault, obstructing an officer and two counts of theft of an officer's motor vehicle.

He was given a $250,000 bond for those charges.

Police said Rodriguez also has several outstanding warrants totaling $475,000, as well as two outstanding state police warrants.

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

Rodriguez was taken to court Wednesday morning where he was arraigned.

Even if the woman was able to escape with the help of bystanders, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings.

“Anything can happen at any time. And when that happens, you do your best to survive at that point,” said Brian Foley, retired Hartford police chief of detectives.

According to Foley, situational awareness can mean the difference between a good outcome and a bad outcome if you happen to be targeted.

“The best thing you can do is not get hurt. And human instinct will guide you in those situations,” Foley said.

Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.