Family lobbies for tougher stolen-auto laws

The family of a man who was killed in a devastating car crash involving a suspected stolen vehicle has petitioned the province for tougher measures to prosecute and monitor car thieves.

The family of Zdzislaw Andrzejczak presented a petition to be introduced in the legislature by the Progressive Conservative Opposition on Wednesday.

The petition calls for vigorous prosecution and mandatory reporting of any breaches of court orders by people who have a history of stealing cars.

Andrzejczak was killed in broad daylight last December when a Hummer H2 slammed into his compact car at the intersection of Andrews Street and Alfred Avenue in Winnipeg's North End.

According to police, the Hummer was stolen and speeding westbound along Alfred and shot through a stop sign just as Andrzejczak's car entered the intersection.

Three people fled the Hummer and scattered through the neighbourhood. Police and canine units scoured the area for hours after the collision.

An 18-year-old man was charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death, dangerous operation causing death and theft over $5,000. His case remains before the courts.

Police said at the time the man was considered a high-risk auto thief who was involved in the Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy.

"I think if you are going to call it a suppression strategy maybe you should keep them behind bars," Kamil Andrzejczak, Zdzislaw's son, said.  

"And if that's the only way to suppress them or stop them from stealing cars, they why are you letting them out?,"

Andrzejczak's wife, Jolanta, said at the time that Andrzejczak had no chance to avoid the crash, which happened as he was driving home from having lunch. He was two blocks from his Redwood Avenue home when he was struck.