Hunter
01/21/26
An Iowa City woman was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly threatening someone who knocked on her door.
The incident occurred at around 9pm at the California Avenue residence of 53-year-old Kirsten Blankenship. The victim was knocking on doors in the area looking for potentially stolen Airpod headphones. When he knocked on Blankenship’s door, she allegedly armed herself, chambered a round, and answered the door with the gun in her hand.
The man put his hands up and explained why he was there and took a few steps back, while Blankenship reportedly pointed her firearm at the man. As the man continued to explain why he was there, she opened her screen door and extended her arm out, pointing the gun at the man’s chest.
He contacted police, and a search warrant was obtained for Blankenship’s residence. Officers reportedly located a black Taurus handgun with a silver barrel. Blankenship was interviewed about the incident, and she allegedly claimed not to remember much about what happened but did say that the victim felt like a scammer.
Blankenship was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and could be sentenced to up to two years in prison if convicted.