By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
November 1, 2011

What began as a kind gesture turned into a carjacking Oct. 30.

Meggan J. Hensley, 26, allegedly asked a man she knew to give her a ride to her sister’s house. The man, who had known Hensley for a year, obliged and met her at the Quick Trip at Winner Road and I-435.

From there, she directed him to drive to a park at Independence and Wallace. Hensley exited the vehicle, walked to the driver’s side and allegedly tried to grab the steering wheel and pull the keys from the ignition.

The male victim told police that three other suspects then approached, one armed with a silver handgun. The victim attempted to drive away, but Hensley tried to pull him from the vehicle. The victim then drove to a dead end at Independence and Donnelly, and put the vehicle in reverse to escape. Hensley then successful pulled the keys from the ignition and the victim fled, fearing for his life, he told police. The victim told police he watched Hensley drive off with his vehicle.

Independence police later located the vehicle at Lexington and Farley in Independence. Officers noted damage to both the passenger’s side and driver’s side. While conducting a canvas of the area, officers located Hensley, who was later positively identified by the victim.

Hensley was taken into custody and has been charged with first degree robbery and armed criminal action, both felonies.