A 72-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with extortion after allegedly demanding money from a neighbour in exchange for the return of her missing cat.
The incident began on July 14, when a 44-year-old woman reported her cat missing from her home on the 200 block of Manitoba Avenue. She told police she suspected a neighbour was involved.
Extortion demand and police intervention
The neighbour later admitted to having the cat and delivered a letter to the woman demanding payment for its return. She then contacted authorities.
On Thursday, police visited the man’s residence, located the cat unharmed, and returned it to its owner. The 72-year-old now faces charges of extortion and theft under $5,000. He has been released on an undertaking.
