116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Cedar Rapids man faces multiple counts in Westdale shooting
No injuries reported but businesses temporary closed after shots fired
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CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man faces multiple gun and other charges after police were called Wednesday to reports of shots being fired on the south end of the Westdale Town Center.
Anthony Pennell, 26, faces charges of intimidation with a weapon; being a felon in possession of a firearm; using a weapon in the commission of a crime; being a person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons; going armed with intent; interference with official acts; assault on a peace officer; and third-degree criminal mischief.
A criminal complaint offering details of the incident had not been filed by Wednesday evening. But Cedar Rapids police said in a news release that officers were dispatched at 12:37 p.m. Wednesday to the southeast corner of the mall complex on the city’s southwest side after receiving multiple reports of shots being fired there.
Police said there were witnesses to the shooting and the officers found “evidence confirming shots fired.” The news release said officers found a man “connected to the incident” who was arrested. The release did not say where Pennell was located, or provide the circumstances of his arrest.
No injuries from the shooting were reported, but police said several Westdale businesses closed their doors during the incident to protect patrons.
Pennell also was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Court records do not publicly reflect a warrant issued in Iowa, but jail records indicate he faces several counts related to a domestic abuse case. He faces 14 charges in all, including six related to the arrest warrant.
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