Man steals vending machine in Sofia after failed carjacking attempt involving police officer and child
A recidivist arrested earlier this week following a chase in the capital is accused of a series of crimes, including theft with threats and assault on a cellmate.
Man steals vending machine in Sofia after failed carjacking attempt involving police officer and child
In the capital's Izток neighbourhood, a masked perpetrator smashed a drinks vending machine in broad daylight and took the takings. Footage of the act was published on Facebook. The same man was arrested earlier in the week following a dramatic chase in Sofia when he attempted to steal a patrol car in which a uniformed officer and his 7-year-old child were travelling.
According to investigation data, he initially committed a robbery at a facility in Borisova Gradina, but the owner spotted him and pursued him. While fleeing, the attacker stopped a random car with a woman at the wheel and forced the driver to move. Shortly after that he switched to another car, whose front-seat passenger turned out to be a police officer. The vehicle also contained the officer's minor daughter. Despite orders to stop and threats made against him, the man did not comply. He got out of the vehicle, drew his service weapon and police identification card. While chasing him, the criminal got into the driver's seat and attempted to drive off. Probably alarmed that he had encountered a uniformed officer, he stopped metres away from him.
At that moment, the owner of the Borisova Gradina facility arrived at the scene. The two of them managed to neutralise and detain the perpetrator together. Witnesses said that the child remained extremely calm throughout and maintained composure. The interior ministry clarified that the detainee resisted and was disruptive, which is why law enforcement officers used pepper spray to neutralise him. A small amount of marijuana and amphetamine were found on him during a personal search. According to the authorities, he was probably acting under the influence of drugs, which explained his inappropriate behaviour.
The public prosecutor's office brought four charges against him: coercion, theft of a vehicle through threats, threat of murder and theft, theft committed under the influence of drugs. He had already served sentences for theft, possession of narcotic substances and assault on the sexual integrity of other persons. Previously, whilst he was in detention, he sexually assaulted a cellmate.
Source: 24 chasa
Source: 24 Chasa