MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut State Police are investigating two attempted and one completed carjackings at rest areas along Interstate 95 early Wednesday morning.

State police responded to the I-95 North in Darien rest area at around 4:25 a.m. to a report that a man had parked his Audi in the parking lot and was getting out of the vehicle to go inside the building while his female passenger stayed in the car. The man told troopers that an older model white sedan pulled behind his car, and two young males exited and approached him.

One suspect grabbed him and attempted to pull the victim away from the Audi. The victim struck the male in the face, which caused him to retreat backward. The male victim then quickly re-entered the Audi, and the male suspect re-approached and tried again to open the driver’s side door.

While this was occurring, the second suspect attempted to physically remove the female victim through the passenger-side front door. State police said she was able to pull the passenger-side door closed, stopping the male suspect from removing her from the vehicle. Once the male victim was able to secure the driver’s side door, the two suspects retreated. They were last seen getting back into the white sedan and fleeing from the area. No weapons were displayed or implied during the attempted carjacking, state police said.

Troopers responded to a report of an attempted carjacking at 5:27 a.m. at the I-95 northbound rest area in Milford. A male victim told state police he was in the process of fueling his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown individual wearing a mask who displayed a firearm. In response, the victim proceeded to spray the suspect with gasoline. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan with an unknown number of people.

At 5:38 a.m., state police responded to the I-95 northbound rest area in Milford for a report of an armed carjacking. The female victim parked an Acura RDX in the parking lot. As she got out and approached the building, she was confronted by a person wearing dark clothing and a mask. A firearm was displayed as the suspect demanded the victim’s keys and belongings, according to police. As the victim complied, she reported that two more people, also wearing masks, approached. At least one of the suspects drove off in the Acura RDX.

When troopers arrived, an unoccupied Kia Forte sedan was found parked, with the engine running. The Kia was later confirmed to have been stolen from Hamden. At approximately 7:29 a.m., state police learned that the stolen Acura RDX had been involved in a crash in Hamden, and its occupants had run off. The suspects allegedly got into a Hyundai SUV and took off.

The state police said the Acura RDX and Kia Forte were seized as evidence in this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to email State Police Det. Caroline Hanson at Caroline.Hanson@ct.gov.

State police shared these tips for staying safe at any location:

• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• Never leave children unattended in a car.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Take your keys with you when exiting your vehicle.
• Hide valuables from view before parking and leaving your vehicle.
• Whenever possible, fuel your vehicle during daylight hours.
• Maintain situational awareness and be alert to your surroundings (the people and activities occurring nearby).
• Take your keys, wallet/purse and cell phone with you, even during brief stops.
• Know your vehicle’s make/model, color, and registration plate to assist police (save a photo of your license plate and unique features such as custom accessories, bumper stickers or damage).

Stay with News 8 for updates.