News editor
A state trooper pulled off US-50 near Peabody to assist a stranded motorist July 17, but instead took the driver, Patrick McHenry, 22, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to county jail on allegations of kidnapping, aggravated endangerment of a child, and other charges.
After the trooper requested a routine license plate check, a dispatcher responded that Tahlequah police had reported the 2010 Ford as stolen, public information officer Chad Crittenden said.
A 13-year-old, also was in the car. Crittenden said the trooper lodged the kidnapping charge, as there was no outstanding warrant for such.
When filing formal complaints, assistant county attorney Courtney Boehm changed the officer’s initial kidnapping allegation to a charge of aggravated interference with parental custody, also a felony.
Other charges against McHenry include aggravated child endangerment; interference with law enforcement; criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle; driving while his license was canceled; suspended, or revoked; transporting an open container of alcohol; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
McHenry remained in Marion County Jail as of Monday.