East Haven police thwart attempted carjacking at Dunkin Donuts

EAST HAVEN — A routine stop at a Dunkin Donuts drive-thru turned into a violent carjacking attempt on Oct. 1, leading to the arrest of a New Haven man, police said.

At around 7:44 p.m., East Haven Police received a call about an attempted carjacking at the Dunkin Donuts located at 704 Foxon Road.

William Rodriguez, 28, of Portsea Street, New Haven, was identified as the suspect.

Authorities said Rodriguez parked his car in front of the victim’s vehicle while she was at the drive-thru window.

He then entered her car through the passenger door and demanded the keys.

When she resisted, Rodriguez allegedly began punching her.

The victim managed to escape and sought refuge inside the Dunkin Donuts.

A female employee at the drive-thru witnessed the attack and alerted coworkers.

Two male employees confronted Rodriguez, who was attempting to operate the vehicle, and held him until police arrived.

Officers subdued Rodriguez after a brief struggle.

An East Haven Fire Department medic who provided medical attention to Rodriguez was bitten by the suspect.

Rodriguez was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital under guard before being processed at the East Haven Police Department.

The vehicle driven by Rodriguez, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra reported stolen from New Haven, was recovered at the scene by New Haven Police for further investigation.

Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including assault on emergency medical personnel, robbery, reckless endangerment, assault on a pregnant person, interfering with an officer, and two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle.

He was held on a $250,000 bond and had additional outstanding arrest warrants totaling $475,000.

The East Haven Police Department praised the Dunkin Donuts employees for their brave actions that helped control the situation.

Rodriguez was transported for arraignment this morning.