Carjacking robbers approached drivers at rest stops on Interstate 95 early Wednesday morning, starting at the one in Darien and continuing to rest stops in Milford, state police said in a news release.
Police also asked for the public’s help.
“All of the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents remain under investigation and this is all the information available for release at this time,” the police news release said. The incidents remain under investigation by detectives from the State Police Western District Major Crime Squad.
According to state police:
Darien North Rest Stop, 4:27 AM
The first carjacking attempt happened at the Darien North rest stop. Troopers from Troop G in Bridgeport responded at the rest stop at 4:27 a.m. They spoke with a man who told them he parked his Audi in the lot and was leaving the car to go in the building while a female passenger remained in the vehicle.
The man said an older model white sedan pulled up behind his car and two young men got out and approached him. One man grabbed him and tried to physically pull him away from the Audi. The victim struck the man in the face, causing that an to step back.
The victim then quickly got back in the Audi as the robber approached the car and tried to open the driver’s side door.
As this was happening, the other male robber tried to physically remove the female through the front passenger’s side door. She was able to pull the door closed, thwarting his efforts.
Once the male victim locked his door, the two robbers retreated. They were last seen getting back into the white sedan and driving away.
During the incident, no weapons were displayed and the robbers didn’t imply they had weapons.
Milford South Rest Stop, 5:27 AM
At 5:27 Troopers from Troop G received a 911 call reporting an attempted armed carjacking at the Milford South rest stop.
A male victim told troopers he was pumping gas into his vehicle when he was approached by a stranger wearing a mask and displaying a firearm. (Police didn’t say the robber was male or female, or give any description of the person.
The victim sprayed the robber with gasoline. The robber then fled in a black sedan with an unknown number of occupants.
Milford North Rest Stop, 5:38 AM
Troop G responded at 5:38 a.m. to a report of a successful carjacking at the Milford North rest stop. A female victim was got out of an Acura RDX in the parking lot and approached the rest stop building when she was confronted by a person wearing dark clothing and a mask and displaying a firearm.
The robber demanded the woman’s keys and belongings. She complied — and as she did, two other robbers wearing masks also approached.
One or more of the robbers drove off in the Acura.
When Troopers arrived at the rest stop, an unoccupied Kia Forte sedan was found parked, with the engine running. Troopers later found out that the car had been stolen from Hamden.
Hamden, 7:29 AM
At about 7:29 a.m., Troop G was notified that the stolen Acura RDX was in a motor vehicle collision in Hamden, and the driver and passengers were said to have fled on foot.
The robbers were reported to have got in a Hyundai SUV, which fled as troopers arrived at the scene. Both the Acura RDX and Kia Forte were seized as evidence.
State Police Request the Public’s Help
In the news release, police said:
Witnesses to any of these incidents are asked to contact State Police Detective Caroline Hanson by email at Caroline.Hanson@ct.gov
Tips for Staying Safe
In today’s news release about the carjacking attempts, state police gave these tips:
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Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
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Never leave children unattended in a vehicle.
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Park in well-lit areas.
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Take your keys with you when exiting your vehicle.
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Hide valuables from view before parking and leaving your vehicle.
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Whenever possible, fuel your vehicle during daylight hours.
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Maintain situational awareness and be alert to your surroundings (the people and activities occurring nearby).
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Take your keys, wallet/purse and cell phone with you, even during brief stops.
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Know your vehicle’s make/model, color, and registration plate to assist police (save a photo of your license plate and unique features such as custom accessories, bumper stickers or damage).