A Winnipeg man has launched a lawsuit against a local grocer and several employees, claiming they assaulted him during an attempted car theft last year, leaving him with severe and permanent injuries.
Michael Prince, 36, filed a statement of claim in the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench on August 12. He is seeking damages from Dino’s Food Mart on Isabel Street, store manager Rajan Varma, and eight unidentified staff members.
According to the claim, Prince alleges the group repeatedly punched, kicked, and struck him, including with a hammer, after catching him trying to steal a car outside the store on February 26, 2024. He says the force used was far beyond what would be considered necessary for a citizen’s arrest.
Prince admits he initially stole a jacket containing a wallet and key fob from the store, then returned later to use the fob to enter a parked car. When the alarm went off, he says staff members surrounded the vehicle and attacked him.
The claim states Prince sustained hairline skull fractures, a concussion, and lasting impairments to his hearing and vision. He also reports vertigo, migraines, nerve damage, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Prince says he escaped but left a trail of blood leading back to his Bannatyne Avenue home, where his brother later called 911. He was hospitalized and arrested within 24 hours, then charged with theft.
Winnipeg police investigated the incident, but Crown prosecutors did not authorize charges against Varma or his staff, Const. Claude Chancy confirmed.
Prince has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple theft convictions dating back to 2014, as well as offences involving robbery with a weapon, assault, and possession of stolen property.
In his lawsuit, Prince argues he can no longer work due to his injuries and is seeking damages to cover medical costs, loss of income, and other related expenses.
