Winnipeg Runners, use caution

A 49-year-old jogger is in guarded condition in hospital after he was struck -- perhaps deliberately -- by someone speeding down Wellington Crescent in a stolen car, police said today.
Const. Jacqueline Chaput said police learned of the hit-and-run shortly after 6 a.m. when a group of runners called 911 saying a blue car swerved at them as they jogged down Wellington Crescent.

Moments later the same group of joggers called police saying they found an injured man lying on the road at Wellington near Lanark Street.

Chaput said police got a good description of the car, including a licence plate number, and put out a broadcast for patrol cars to be on the lookout.

The car, an early-’90s Pontiac Sunbird, was found a short time later by police, abandoned near Broadway and Langside Street. It is now being examined by a police forensic team.

The injured jogger was rushed to hospital in unstable condition with head injuries, and has been upgraded to guarded.
Police ask anyone with information about the car, or its driver, -- it’s believed two people were in the car -- to call detectives at 986-2877.

Chaput said the incident highlights the need for all car owners to theft-proof their vehicles.

“It’s unfortunate it’s come to this,” she said. “Based on what’s happening here, it could have potentially tragic consequences.”

Police had no information on where or when the Sunbird was stolen.

On Wednesday 31 vehicles were reported stolen to police. There were also nine attempted thefts. Police also recovered 14 vehicles that had been reported stolen days earlier. [email protected]