Coventry Kidnapper Took Woman, 80, Led High-Speed Chase

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry Police continue their investigation of a kidnapping and assault of and car theft from an 80-year-old woman by a man, 53, Sunday morning, tracked by CPD detectives to Smithfield, then apprehended by Providence Police.

The man, Steven Henning, is being held without bail following his arraignment on kidnapping, assault, robbery, auto theft and other charges Monday.

At about 8:19 a.m. that day, Coventry Police received a call from the Smithfield Police Department advising of a possible abduction in Coventry. Officers responded to the woman’s Coventry home to investigate the possible abduction, according to a Coventry Police statement on the investigation.

Detectives determined the victim was taken from her home and ultimately transported to Smithfield, RI, where she was found. The suspect was identified as Steven Henning, 53. Henning led police on a high-speed pursuit and was subsequently taken into custody by Providence Police.

Coventry Police Detectives, Providence Police, along with members from the RI Attorney General’s Office, interviewed Henning who was subsequently charged by the Coventry Police Department with Kidnapping, Assault with a Deadly Weapon in a Dwelling, 1st Degree Robbery, Assault on a Person over 60-Serious Bodily Injury, Burglary, and Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.

The woman was treated at a local hospital, where she remains at the moment, police reported.

Henning was arraigned in Third Division District Court t Kent County Courthouse on the charges that took place in Coventry a Monday morning and held without bail. He was also arraigned on Smithfield Police charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police during the chase. Henning will also likely face charges from several other municipalities including Burrillville.

The name of the victim and her address have not yet been disclosed by police while the case remains under active investigation.