Philly Cop Arrested, Dismissed Following Bizarre Incident

The police officer allegedly lured multiple men to his house with "money and pizzas" and robbed one of them.

L: Michael Winkler Courtesy of Philadelphia Police Department | R: Courtesy of Dave Connor

L: Courtesy of Philadelphia Police Department | R: Courtesy of Dave Connor

A Philly cop has been arrested following a bizarre May incident in which he allegedly robbed a man he had hired to do work on his Levittown home.

Michael Winkler, 36-years-old, is a 16-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the 15th District.

Multiple men, including a contractor Winkler had allegedly hired, said Winkler “lured” them to his Bucks County property on May 5th, promising them “money and pizzas.” According to police, Winkler drove to Levittown while on duty in a city vehicle.

Winkler then demanded one of the men to hand over all his money, police said, and took $38. 

The PPD put Winkler on desk duty and confiscated his gun in May following the incident. Winkler was arrested by Bristol Township Police and is being charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, misdemeanor harassment and false imprisonment, among other charges.

Police Commissioner Richard Ross has suspended Winkler for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.

Winkler was also the subject of a 2011 federal lawsuit after a man accused him of unlawfully breaking into his house and assaulting him. The case was dismissed in 2013.

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