A Independence man has been charged in a violent carjacking that occurred at a QuikTrip in Independence Wednesday morning.
On Friday, Sean Clark, 25, was charged with second-degree robbery.
According to authorities, a woman pulled into a parking spot at the convenience store on East 39th around 6:20 a.m. to fill up the tires on her vehicle. When she exited her car, a suspect approached, got into the vehicle and drove off.
"She wasn't there very long,” Officer John Syme, a spokesperson with the Independence Police Department, said. “It wasn't something he had very long to plan, unless he was there already scoping out — looking for someone who was leaving their vehicle running to get in it.”
The female victim opened the passenger door, was knocked to the ground and run over as the suspect fled the scene in her car.
"He didn't bother to stop for her safety; it definitely escalated the situation when you have a victim like that,” Officer Syme said.
The woman, left shaken, suffered minor cuts and bruises from the violent crime.
According to court records, Blue Springs police located the stolen vehicle in a Blue Springs neighborhood. The defendant was found at a Blue Springs motel. According to court records, Clark told police he took the vehicle but said he didn't see the victim on the side of the vehicle.
Prosecutors have requested a $50,000 bond.
Wednesday afternoon 41 Action News went to the scene of the crime where a number of people were filling up their tires.
None of them had their cars running, something that police recommend.
"If you do see someone trying to take your car step back. The natural reaction would be to stop them and open your door but for your own safety we recommend that you don’t,” Officer Syme said.
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