A Connecticut man, William Rodriguez, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman in an attempted carjacking at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru. The incident occurred when Rodriguez pulled into the parking lot in front of the victim’s car, exited his vehicle, and climbed into the passenger side of the woman’s car demanding her keys. When she refused, Rodriguez began punching the woman, who was four months pregnant. She managed to escape the vehicle and ran inside the restaurant to seek help.
An employee inside the drive-thru witnessed the assault and alerted two coworkers who restrained Rodriguez as he attempted to flee in the victim’s vehicle. When police arrived, Rodriguez continued to struggle and even bit a medic’s hand after being taken into custody. The vehicle he was driving, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, had been reported stolen previously. Rodriguez now faces multiple charges, including Breach of Peace, Assault on Emergency Medical Personnel, Robbery, and Assault on a Pregnant Person, among others. He is being held on a $250,000 bond, along with additional outstanding arrest warrants totaling $475,000.
The East Haven Police Department commended the quick and courageous actions of the Dunkin’ Donuts employees who helped bring the situation under control. Rodriguez was transported to court for arraignment on the charges he faces. The police thanked the employees for their assistance in controlling the situation and preventing any further harm to the victim. Rodriguez faces a long list of charges, including Breach of Peace, Assault on Emergency Medical Personnel, and Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, in addition to multiple outstanding arrest warrants from other jurisdictions.
The victim, who was four months pregnant at the time of the assault, managed to escape and seek help from the employees inside the Dunkin’ Donuts. Despite the traumatic experience, she was able to get away from the assailant and prevent him from stealing her vehicle. Rodriguez’s aggressive behavior and attempts to steal the victim’s car were thwarted by the quick actions of the Dunkin’ Donuts employees, who intervened and restrained him until the police arrived.
Rodriguez’s criminal activity did not stop with the attempted carjacking, as he also faced charges for assaulting emergency medical personnel and resisting arrest. His violent actions led to a struggle with police and emergency responders at the scene. The stolen vehicle he was driving had been previously reported as stolen, adding to the list of charges he now faces. The Dunkin’ Donuts employees who witnessed the assault and intervened helped prevent further harm to the victim, demonstrating courage and quick thinking in response to a dangerous situation. The actions of the employees were crucial in preventing Rodriguez from escaping and causing more harm.
