A man filed a lawsuit against a grocer in Winnipeg and some of his employees, claiming they caused him a concussion, skull fractures, and permanent hearing and vision impairment after he was found outside the store trying to steal a car last year.

Michael Prince, 36, is seeking damages in a lawsuit against Dino’s Food Mart, manager Rajan Pharma, and eight unnamed employees at the Isabel Street grocery store, according to a statement of claim filed in King’s Bench Court on August 12.

The claim states: “As a result of the assault and resulting injuries, including dizziness and nerve damage, Prince says he is unable to seek or maintain employment. He suffers from constant fear, anxiety, apprehension, depression, and a persistent feeling of worthlessness.” Prince admits he stole a jacket from Dino’s on February 26, 2024, which contained a wallet and keychain, and tried to use the car key to steal a vehicle parked in front of the store.

When he entered the car, which was blocked by other vehicles, the alarm went off. Prince said the car door was opened by a group of eight or nine employees at Dino’s, who “punched, kicked, and repeatedly beat him,” according to the claim, and he was also attacked with a hammer.

The claim says: “The amount of force used against him far exceeded what was necessary to detain or hold a citizen until police arrived.” Prince said he does not remember how he escaped the scene but recalls running home bleeding in Panetain.

His brother called 911 after Prince arrived home, and he was taken to the hospital, then arrested and charged with theft before being detained, according to the claim.

Judge Claude Chancy confirmed that police conducted an investigation. A statement from Chancy said the public prosecutor did not lay charges against Pharma or his employees.

Prince has multiple previous convictions for theft dating back to 2014, as well as convictions for armed robbery, assault, possession of property obtained by crime, and other offenses.

In his statement of claim, reported by CBS, Prince said he suffered “hairline skull fractures, concussion, permanent hearing loss in both ears, vision impairment in his right eye, migraines, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks, nerve damage, brain swelling, post-traumatic stress disorder,” and other symptoms.

The thief is seeking various damages for these injuries and related legal and medical expenses.