On Wednesday, 02/12/25 at approximately 1:15 AM, personnel from Troop G- Bridgeport were dispatched to the I-95 southbound exit 29 on ramp for a reported suspicious incident.
Upon arrival, Troopers observed an Acura TL on the on ramp, perpendicular to the guardrail with both the front and rear passenger doors open. The interior of the vehicle appeared to be in disarray, consistent with signs and damage indicating a struggle had occurred in the vehicle. Troopers then identified the victim who visibly shaken following the incident that had occurred.
While speaking with the victim, Troopers learned that he had been walking to a train station from a residence in Bridgeport, when he stated a friend from middle school happened to pull up next to him. The victim stated that the old friend was Manuel Diaz (DOB 08/18/1994) of Norwalk, who offered him a ride back to his residence in exchange for $10. The victim agreed to this, and entered the vehicle as the two began to drive away.
Once on the exit 29 on ramp, the victim explained that Diaz now told him $10 was not enough money for the ride as they had previously agreed on. The victim explained that Diaz then demanded more money, and the victim believed he was going to rob him for everything he had on him. The two then began to argue, and a physical assault occurred inside the vehicle. The victim was able to exit the vehicle, and with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department, Diaz was quickly located and detained.
It was learned that Diaz had used physical force in an attempt to take money from the victim after the previously agreed upon ride share fee. Diaz was placed under arrest and transported to Troop G - Bridgeport where he was processed on the following charges:
C.G.S. 53a-49/53a-136 - Criminal Attempt at Robbery in the Third Degree
C.G.S. 53a-181 - Breach of Peace in the Second Degree
C.G.S. 14-251(c) - Improper Parking on a Limited Access Highway
Diaz was held on a $10,000 bond, which was unable to post. Diaz was transported to Bridgeport Correctional Center awaiting arraignment on 02/13/2025 at Bridgeport Superior Court.
Please see attached criminal information summary.
