CROMWELL, Conn. (WTNH) – Police in Cromwell are investigating a carjacking that happened at the Cumberland Farms on Monday night. But officials say it was not an isolated incident; they are seeing a series of possibly connected carjackings across the state.
It was at 9:20 p.m. when Cromwell police say a stolen Range Rover pulled up behind an Audi A4 at the Cumberland Farms gas station on Berlin Road. A person got out and took the victim’s Audi at gunpoint.
“I’m super paranoid more than anything, and it’s unfortunate that people are going to have to be more paranoid because of that,” said Yahaira Escribano of Hartford who filled up for gas at that same Cumberland Farms Tuesday.
The Cromwell carjacking took place a day after another carjacking at a nearby apartment complex on Town Colony Drive in Middletown at 11:30 Sunday night. Two people were unloading their red Honda CRV when a stolen red Dodge Charger pulled up and two Hispanic males got out.
“…[the suspects] initially pulled up on [the victims and] pointed the gun at them. [The suspects] initially demanded they empty their pockets and leave all their property within their vehicle,” explained Middletown Police Lt. Brian Hubbs.
That’s when the two men stole the Honda and the victims’ valuables. A third man drove away in the Charger.
Police say it turns out three men and a Dodge Charger fitting that same description may have also been involved in armed robberies in Southington earlier in the night and Plainville afterward.
Waterbury police say the Hispanic men and the car were also seen at an armed robbery in that city Sunday night. Then, police say, those same three men in the Honda stolen from Middletown returned to Waterbury to rob two more gas stations early Monday morning.
Right now there is no indication that the carjacking in Cromwell on Monday night is related to the Middletown carjacking Sunday night, however, police say these incidents have been happening all across the state and people need to be alert wherever they go.
“If you’re in a vehicle or getting out of a vehicle, you see something suspicious, get back in your car and lock the doors,” said Lt. Hubbs.
Even though most of the cars used in these crimes are stolen police encourage people to get a description of the vehicle and suspects.
“That’s very helpful to us down the road,” said Lt. Hubbs.
At this point, the red Honda CRV and Audi A4 still have not been found.