Criminal complaint reveals new details in Westdale shooting incident

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A criminal complaint provides more details about a shooting incident that occurred Wednesday in the Westdale neighborhood of Cedar Rapids.

Police said they were called to the southeast corner of the Westdale Mall complex around 12:37 a.m. Wednesday for reports of shots fired.

Anthony Pennell, 26, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested for the alleged incident.

A criminal complaint released Thursday says the incident began Wednesday with a confrontation between Pennell and another man at Ross Dress For Less in the Westdale neighborhood of Cedar Rapids.

Officials said witnesses at the scene reported seeing Pennell take a gun out of her friend’s purse before shooting the victim, who was walking away at the time.

No one was hurt.

When a Cedar Rapids police officer responded to the scene, he said Pennell fled despite being ordered to stop.

Pennell was taken into custody in the PetSmart parking lot.

The officer said that while he was putting Pennell in a police car, Pennell kicked him in the head.

Police also said Pennell kicked the door of a police cruiser, causing an estimated $750 to $1,500 in damage.

Pennell faces the following charges:

• Intimidation with a weapon
• Criminal in possession of a firearm
• Use of a weapon in the commission of a crime
• Person not authorized to carry dangerous weapons
• Leave armed with intention
• Interference in official acts
• Assault on a peace officer
• Criminal Mischief 3rd

When officers found Pennell Wednesday in the Westdale area, they learned he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for a September incident on Wiley Boulevard SW.

A criminal complaint for that incident says Pennell allegedly grabbed someone’s purse, pulled her to the ground and tackled her, slamming her face into the ground.

The victim reported that Pennell kicked her in the ribs and threatened to stab and shoot her. The victim also reported that when she attempted to call 911 for help, Pennell allegedly took her phone away.

Pennell has a prior conviction for willful injury in Johnson County in October 2018.

This 2018 incident occurred under a bridge in the 400 block of S. Gilbert Street in Iowa City. Police said Pennell struck a victim in the face with an object while she was lying on the ground, causing a fracture and numerous bruises.

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