Cedar Rapids man charged after threatening to kill woman, burn down house

Threats to kill the mother of his children and burn down her house have earned a man a felony charge, police said.

William E. McKinney, 30, no known address, is charged with threats, disorderly conduct and interference with official acts after the incident at a residence in the 300 block of 36th Street NE early Friday morning.

A disturbance was reported at the residence around 3 a.m., and when officers arrived, they found McKinney intoxicated and upset. While police were talking to the 32-year-old woman who lives there, McKinney repeatedly interrupted her and threw a cell phone on the ground three times, according to the police report.

Officers also found some mail on fire in the kitchen, and have accused McKinney of lighting the fire with a match. McKinney was arrested and while he was en route to the Linn County Jail, police said he made the threats to kill the woman and burn down her house.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said four children under the age of 13 were at the house during the disturbance, including the two children McKinney has with the woman.

The charge of threats is Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $7,500. According to the Iowa Code, ”any person who threatens to place or attempts to place any incendiary or explosive device… in any place where it will endanger persons or property” shall be charged with this crime.