ROCKFORD — A man accused of hijacking a security officer’s vehicle appeared in court Wednesday on several charges.

Cedric Hunter, 46, is charged with vehicular hijacking, three counts of aggravated battery, retail theft and possession of stolen property. The charges stem from an incident that unfolded Sunday, Jan. 21, in the parking lot of Kmart at 1321 Sandy Hollow Road.

At around 4 p.m., the security officer attempted to stop a retail theft suspect in the parking lot. A struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to get in the driver’s seat of the guard’s vehicle. The struggle continued as the guard and a bystander attempted to pull the suspect out. The suspect began driving away, dragging the officer and bystander, who fell out of the vehicle as it fled the scene.

The officer and bystander were treated for non-life  threatening injuries.

Rockford Police S.C.O.P.E. officers located the Allied Security Services vehicle early Monday morning near 5th Street and 20th Avenue. Hunter was arrested Monday night. He is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail without bond. His next court date is March 1. R.