Arrest Made In Kidnapping That Prompted Amber Alert: New Haven Police

NEW HAVEN, CT — Police announced that they have made an arrest in a kidnapping, which prompted an Amber Alert.

At 7:20 p.m. Sept. 14, police responded to a home for a reported domestic disturbance, which was "later determined to be the abduction of a child," police said.

The victim said she and Christopher Rodriguez, 32, were involved in an argument in another town during which he became "extremely upset," police said.

After the argument, Rodriguez left the victim in that town, then drove to New Haven, where he picked up her 5-year-old son from the bus stop, police said.

Rodriguez is not the father, and when he spoke on the phone with the victim, he refused to bring the child home, police said.

He also told the victim that if the police were contacted, he would engage them in pursuit and kill both of them, police said.

Rodriguez had several outstanding arrest warrants, including a violation of parole from the state of New York in which the underlying charge was second-degree murder, police said.

"Due to the gravity of the situation, an Amber Alert was put out, along with a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) for Rodriguez," police said.

Police spoke with Rodriguez over the phone, and while speaking with him, he "exhibited irrational and paranoid thoughts, including revving his engine and saying he saw police following him, repeatedly claiming that he would intentionally crash the car," police said.

After several hours, police were able to convince Rodriguez to leave the child, so he gave him to a tow truck driver in Bridgeport, police said.

Rodriguez was found on Sept. 17 in a hotel in Branford. He is charged with first-degree kidnapping, risk of injury to a minor, and two counts of second-degree breach of peace. He is also charged as a fugitive from justice, and bond was set at $300,000.

"We are incredibly proud of our Officers and Detectives for successfully deescalating a very tense and rapidly evolving situation," said Police Chief David Zannelli. "Because of their efforts, multiple lives have been saved, and a dangerous individual is now safely in custody."