WINNIPEG -- Mayor Sam Katz says it "disgusts" him that a young man charged in last Friday's death of a driver in a crash with a stolen Hummer sport utility vehicle was involved in a traffic death of a taxi driver last year.

And Katz said yesterday the revelation about the man, now 18, must prove to provincial and federal politicians that severe action on auto thieves is necessary as soon as possible.

"If all MLAs and members of Parliament don't get it, they had better get it now," Katz said. "And the time is now, not later. We don't need any more wishy-washy debate, we need action."

Katz's comments came after provincial justice sources confirmed the 18-year-old accused is one of 13 youths and one adult arrested in connection with the March 2008 collision that killed cab driver Antonio Lanzelotti at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Maryland Street.

PROBATION

The accused was a passenger in a stolen Chevrolet Silverado that was racing a stolen Chevrolet Avalanche when the Avalanche crashed into Lanzelotti's cab.

The man, then a youth, spent a short time in custody before pleading guilty to possession of property obtained by crime and was sentenced to probation.

Police continue to search for at least two other suspects -- believed to be youths -- in the crash that killed Zdzislaw Andrzejczak, 47, at the corner of Alfred Avenue and Andrews Street. Investigators have released little information on those suspects.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man is accused of stealing a separate SUV and driving it dangerously through the St. Charles area. The erratic driving was reported around 7:20 a.m. on Sunday in the area of Ness Avenue and Stradford Street. Police said the driver caused property damage but no injuries.

The man was arrested on allegations of theft, impaired driving, leaving the scene of an accident and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

wpgsun.citydesk@sunmedia.ca