A 28-year-old man has been arrested in East Haven, Connecticut, after allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman during a failed carjacking. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 1, in the drive-thru of a Dunkin’ Donuts, where employees intervened to halt the crime, according to Fox News.
William Rodriguez reportedly pulled into the parking lot directly in front of the victim’s vehicle before climbing into the passenger seat and demanding her keys.When she refused to comply, Rodriguez began to punch the four-month pregnant woman. She managed to escape in a desperate bid for safety and ran into the restaurant to seek help.
An employee witnessed the assault and immediately alerted two coworkers, who rushed outside to restrain Rodriguez as he attempted to flee in the woman’s vehicle. When officers arrived, Rodriguez continued to struggle, and during the arrest, he bit a medic’s hand.
Authorities later discovered that the car Rodriguez was driving at the time, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, had been reported stolen previously. He now faces multiple charges, including Breach of Peace, 2nd Degree Assault on Emergency Medical Personnel, Robbery in the 3rd Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree, Assault on a Pregnant Person, Assault in the 3rd Degree, Interfering with an Officer, and two counts of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.
Rodriguez is being held on a $250,000 bond and multiple outstanding arrest warrants totalling $475,000. The East Haven Police Department commended the “quick and courageous actions” of the Dunkin’ Donuts employees, who were crucial in controlling the dangerous situation. Rodriguez was transported to court on Wednesday morning for prosecution.