Man Hid In Woman's Car, Victim Fights Off Robbery Attempt: Ansonia PD

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 25-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on a robbery charge Tuesday after Ansonia police said he hid in a woman's car and unsuccessfully tried to steal her pocketbook. The woman was able to fight him off, which helped in his capture.

The incident occurred at about 10:15 p.m. when Ansonia officers were flagged down by a woman on Pershing Drive, who told them a man had hidden in the backseat of her car and tried to rob her.

"The female was able to fight off the suspect, and he fled the scene," Ansonia police wrote on Facebook. "The female reported she had stopped at CVS on Pershing Drive, while she was in the store the male hid in the backseat of the car and confronted her as she drove on Pershing Drive."

Ansonia K9 Officer Kane and his handler were able to track down the suspect on nearby Howard Avenue, and take him into custody.

The suspect was identified as Adiel Viana-Ribeiro, who was charged with third-degree burglary; criminal attempt at third-degree robbery; criminal attempt at second-degree larceny; and breach of peace.

Viana-Ribeiro was held in lieu of bail of a $150,000, and remains in custody. He is scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on Feb. 9.