Police: Fight at store preceded Westdale shooting

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man is accused of firing a gun at someone who was driving away from Westdale Mall after a confrontation inside the mall Wednesday.

Anthony Pennell, 26, is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, possession of a firearm by a felon, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, third-degree criminal mischief, assault on persons in certain occupations, persons ineligible to carry dangerous weapons and interference with official acts.

  Buy Photo

The incident started with a confrontation between Pennell and Jordan Brown inside Ross Dress for Less. After the confrontation, Brown left the store, got in a vehicle and started driving away.

Pennell took a gun out of the purse of someone he was with and fired toward Brown as he drove off, according to a criminal complaint.

Police responded at 12:37 p.m. after receiving numerous calls about shots being fired, according to a Cedar Rapids police news release. .

Pennell ran from police. When taken into custody, he kicked an officer in the head while he was being put in the squad car. He then “aggressively” kicked the squad car’s door, causing damage estimated at between $750 and $1,500, the complaint states.

Pennell also was arrested on an outstanding warrant related to a domestic abuse case. He faces 14 charges in all, six of them related to the arrest warrant.

Pennell had his first appearance in court Thursday and is being held in the Linn County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com