A Connecticut man who authorities say hit a pregnant woman in an attempt to steal her car Tuesday night has been arrested on several charges, officials said.
William Rodriguez, 28, of New Haven, is accused of assaulting the victim in the window of a Dunkin’ Donuts store in East Haven just before 8 p.m., Capt. Joseph Murgo said in a news release Wednesday.
According to investigators, Rodriguez pulled into the parking lot and parked his vehicle “right in front of the victim’s car” while she waited for her order.
He then got out of his vehicle – later identified as a stolen 2016 Hyundai Elantra – entered the victim’s car through the passenger door and allegedly demanded her keys.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, refused to comply. That’s when Rodriguez “started hitting her,” Murgo said.
She eventually managed to escape and ran towards the restaurant for help.
Two employees ran outside and were able to confront Rodriguez, who was “having difficulty driving” the victim’s car.
They subdued the suspect and held him on the ground while waiting for police to arrive.
When officers arrived, Rodriguez had a “brief struggle” with police, but was eventually taken into custody.
While receiving medical treatment, Rodriguez allegedly bit the doctor’s hand, Murgo said.
He was ultimately transported to the East Haven Police Department and charged with assault on a pregnant person, assault on emergency medical personnel, grand larceny, reckless endangerment and other offenses. He is being held on $250,000 bail.
According to Murgo, Rodriguez also has several outstanding warrants totaling $475,000 and two outstanding state police warrants.
