Waynesboro woman charged in carjacking

The Waynesboro Police Department arrested a city woman after a bizarre series of incidents, including a reported carjacking, on Saturday morning.

Clarissa Luba McKenzie, 53 years old, faces numerous charges stemming from her nearly four hour rampage that left another Waynesboro woman fearing for her life.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of North Bath Avenue to speak with a woman described as being “hysterical.”  When they arrived, the officers met with the 48 year old victim who told them McKenzie came by her residence at approximately 7:30 a.m.  The victim and McKenzie are acquaintances.  The victim said McKenzie appeared frantic and indicated she had been using methamphetamine overnight. Also she was adamant she was in physical danger.  McKenzie asked the victim to use her cell phone and give her a ride which she did.

The victim drove McKenzie in her 1999 Chevrolet SUV to a couple of locations on West Main Street and let her make several phone calls with her cell phone. However, the victim said during this time McKenzie grew increasingly hostile and paranoid claiming she was being targeted for death.

Eventually their travels brought them to the Waynesboro Police Department at McKenzie’s insistence.  After a few minutes, McKenzie demanded the victim get in the vehicle’s back seat while she took over driving.  They left the police department’s lot without making any contact with police.  McKenzie drove throughout the downtown area in a manner that put the victim in fear for her life.  McKenzie also accused the victim of being part of the conspiracy to kill her.  Finally, McKenzie stopped the vehicle on Port Republic Road and got out.  She told the victim to leave with the vehicle but kept her cellphone.  The victim returned to her residence and notified 911.

Police officers located McKenzie at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of Reservoir Street and arrested her on the following charges:

• Carjacking (f)
• Abduction (f)
• Petit Larceny/Third Offense or More (f)
• Driving on a Suspended License (m)
• Reckless Driving (m)

McKenzie is being held at Middle River Regional Jail without bond.