Man charged with trying to carjack vehicle from off-duty cop

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This article was published 12/06/2024 (493 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A man has been charged for allegedly trying to carjack a vehicle from an off-duty police officer only 20 minutes after being released from custody.

Police said Wednesday the officer was driving in the 100 block of Smith Street when a man “presenting himself as a person in distress” flagged the vehicle down at about approximately 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The suspect opened a door of the vehicle and assaulted the officer, the Winnipeg Police Service said.

The victim identified himself as an off-duty police officer as the suspect continued to assault him and tried to pull him out of the vehicle while threatening to kill him, the WPS said.

The officer exited his vehicle, and the suspect unsuccessfully tried to drive the vehicle, which has a manual transmission. He tried to flee on foot, but three other off-duty officers restrained him and handcuffed him.

The vehicle’s owner sought medical attention for multiple injuries.

“During the investigation, officers learned the suspect had been released from police custody approximately 20 minutes prior regarding an unrelated matter,” the WPS said in a news release.

Bob Umar Kulagbanda, 27, of Winnipeg, has been charged with assaulting a peace officer, uttering threats, robbery and failing to comply with a probation order.

He was detained in custody.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca