Police: Woman used shotgun to threaten group setting fireworks

Police arrested a Cedar Rapids woman Monday after they said she threatened to shoot into a group of people if they didn't stop setting off fireworks.

Pamela J. Denny, 58, was taken into custody on suspicion of assault with a weapon following the disturbance at Cedar Valley Townhomes, 3000 J St. SW. Officers responded around 10:30 p.m. to a report of a woman threatening people with a shotgun.

Officer Melissa Henderson, a police spokeswoman, said a group of 20 to 30 people were in the center courtyard when Denny allegedly "pointed (the shotgun) in their direction and yelled that she was going to shoot them if they didn't stop" setting off fireworks. Police took statements from four people who made the same accusations against Denny.

"The officers determined she was intoxicated at the time, so that may have played a role in her decision-making," Henderson said.

Denny initially denied making the threats, but later said she felt sorry about what happened. Police found an unloaded 12-gauge shotgun in her apartment.

Denny was transported to the Linn County Jail. It was the second time she has been arrested on the Fourth of July. Online court records show she was charged with interference with official acts after an incident on July 4, 2005 in Linn County.