Cedar Rapids man sentenced to 15 years for firing multiple times at driver at Westdale Mall

CEDAR RAPIDS — A federal judge Wednesday sentenced a Cedar Rapids man, who fired a gun multiple times at a man driving away from the shooter outside a clothing store at Westdale Mall in 2024, to 15 years in prison.

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U.S. District Chief Judge C.J. Williams said actions of Anthony Pennell, 28, were “extremely aggravating” and he would have given Pennell a longer sentence if the sentencing guidelines would allow because he fired shots as the victim was driving away. One of the bullets struck another car and could have harmed someone in that car, but fortunately no one was in the car at the time.

Pennell previously pleaded to possession of a firearm by a felon. The maximum sentence is 15 years.

Williams said the other man with Pennell that day later told a grand jury that Jordan Brown — the victim — wasn’t violent when he confronted Pennell for walking in the roadway in the parking lot of Ross Dress for Less. But instead of talking to Brown or using his fists, Pennell pulled out a 9 mm gun from his friend’s purse and fired multiple shots as Brown retreated, driving away from Pennell, the judge pointed out.

Williams also said Pennell then fled from police, leading an officer across six lanes of traffic on a busy Edgewood Road SW and then assaulted and threatened officers when they did arrest him. Pennell was running with a loaded, unholstered gun, which could have accidentally discharged and struck bystanders or other cars. He also was running into the street, and could have caused other drivers to crash, Williams said.

The judge also went over Pennell’s lengthy criminal history, which included five “violent” juvenile convictions and 15 adult convictions — nine of those also “violent.”

“I’ve never seen a defendant with a worse prison record,” Williams said. “This is part of a pattern of extreme violence.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Vander Stoep, during sentencing, said Pennell had 65 violations while serving previous prison terms. He has multiple convictions related to assaultive behavior and repeatedly threatened to kill people, including law enforcement officers.

Pennell, during sentencing, apologized for obstructing justice and he apologized to Brown and the officers involved in his arrest.

Williams also ordered Pennell to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Trish Mehaffey covers state and federal courts for The Gazette

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com