Man accused of using syringe to threaten drivers in 2 Bucks County carjackings
BRISTOL BOROUGH, Pa. (CBS) -- Police have arrested a man wanted for several carjackings in Bucks County. It's the weapon he used that really shocked police and frightened residents.
"It doesn't surprise me. I just think we're living in bad times now and you gotta keep your guard up," a man said.
The Bucks County district attorney says Kevin O'Connell was arrested and charged for threatening victims with a syringe in an attempt to rob them.
"It's not very usual and this was very concerning when she said. So again, we take this very serious," Bristol detective William Davis said.
The latest victim, an 83-year-old woman, was hospitalized Friday after a carjacking here on Commerce Circle. Officials say he asked the woman for cash before telling her he had aids and would give her a shot.
After a struggle, police say the suspect jumped in the victim's 2007 Toyota Camry and drove away.
"She had lacerations that I could see on her arm, her legs, she couldn't walk at the time. She was having problems and complaint of pain," Davis said.
While the victim recovered in the hospital, Philadelphia police tracked the suspect down the next morning driving her stolen vehicle.
"This case is a direct result of excellent police work and cooperation between the Philadelphia Police Department, the detectives here in Bristol Borough and Bristol Township. I'm very glad we got that this individual off the streets as quick as we did," a police official said.
Once in custody, detectives say DNA evidence linked O'Connell to another carjacking in March using the same method. It happened about a mile away, at the McDonald's on Bristol Pike.
They say in that case, he told a woman he was a heroin addict, had a needle and she needed to get out of the car.
"No matter where you are gotta be aware of your surroundings, yes in today's times," a man said.
The suspect is facing charges ranging from aggravated assault to robbery. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact police.