Upper Darby woman charged with threatening SPCA officers and police

An Upper Darby woman was arrested Friday after allegedly 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 Leighton Terrace, was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, making terroristic threats, and firearms violations, Police Superintendent Michael J. Chitwood said.

Chitwood said the SPCA removed about 75 cats from Merget's small, end-unit rowhouse.

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

Merget met the officers in her yard, then ran back inside. 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.

Chitwood said authorities had been at the house before for related complaints. He also said Merget had become the target of neighborhood vandals, who have thrown eggs at the house and rocks through the windows.