Monday, September 13, 2010

Armed cat-hoarder threatens police

An Upper Darby woman was arrested Friday after pointing an unloaded handgun at SPCA officials and police serving a warrant at her home for complaints related to hoarding animals.

Denise Merget, 57, of the unit block on Leighton Terrace, was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, making terroristic threats, and firearms violations, said Michael J. Chitwood, superintendent of police.

Chitwood said the SPCA removed about 75 cats from her small, end-unit row home.

About 12:30 p.m.,officers arrived in response to complaints about significant odors and various problems with her cats, Chitwood said.

Merget, who met the officers in her yard, ran back inside. An SPCA officer, George Bengal, followed her, and she pointed a handgun at him and ordered him to leave, Chitwood said.

Upper Darby Police Officer James Lutz encountered Merget and persuaded her to drop the gun, Chitwood said. At the police station, Merget signed over the cats to the care of the SPCA, he said..." More

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