Dunkin’ employees jump into action to help pregnant woman being carjacked in drive-thru

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

William Rodriguez, 28, is facing several charges that include assault on a pregnant person, robbery and reckless endangerment.

East Haven police say the situation started 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-thru window.

East Haven Police Capt. Joseph Murgo said the 28-year-old then exited 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 inside for help.

“A female employee working at the drive-thru witnessed the attack and quickly alerted two male employees,” Murgo said. “The two employees rushed outside and confronted Rodriguez, who was struggling to operate the victim’s vehicle.”

Authorities said the workers were able to remove Rodriguez from the car and hold him down on the ground until police arrived.

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

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

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

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

Authorities said Rodriguez also had multiple outstanding arrest warrants from state police.

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

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