Wethersfield police are investigating a carjacking at a senior living facility after a man who said he had a gun pushed an elderly woman out of her car when she refused to drive him home and drove off in her car, police said.
Police responded to Executive Square Apartments at 100 Executive Square just after 2 p.m. Monday and the woman said a man who appeared to be in his 20s or 30s got into her vehicle as she was attempting to park in the parking lot, sat down and told her to take him home to an undisclosed location, police said.
The woman refused and the man said he had a gun, but did not show one, according to police. Then, he pushed the woman out of her 2011 Nissan Versa car and drove it away.
Police said the woman did not report any injuries but received medical attention at the scene.
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A spokesperson for Executive Square Apartments issued the following statement regarding the incident:
“We are fully cooperating with the Wethersfield Police in their investigation of the carjacking that occurred on our property this afternoon. The individual who committed this crime in broad daylight preyed on a vulnerable elderly woman; we are glad she was not seriously injured. This is a very unusual and unsettling incident for the seniors and disabled individuals in the Executive Square community. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Lt. Gustavo Rodriguez, commander of the Wethersfield Police Department’s Detective Division, at 860-721-2872.”
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People at the senior housing and those with disabilities in Wethersfield are on edge.
"When I go to my car, I see the lady almost under my car. I say 'What happened?' I try to help," said Evelyn Vazquez, of Wethersfield.
Vazquez said she found her friend on the ground in the parking lot off Executive Square.
"She can't walk, she can't talk. Shaking like crazy. That's sad," Vazquez said.
The woman's vehicle was found unoccupied in Hartford around 9:10 p.m.
"It was scary. Close to home. You never think something like that happens, but it does," said Anna Williams of Wethersfield.
Williams said she generally feels safe. Though with police urging citizens to remain alert and vigilant, she is among those now taking precautions.
"Flashlights in case. Something for self defense," Williams said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Gustavo Rodriguez at 860-721-2872.
