Woman makes 1,000 threatening phone calls to police, county offices

Patrick Buchnowski, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·1 min read

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Johnstown woman is charged with allegedly making more than 1,000 threatening phone calls to police departments and Cambria County offices in what began as a dispute about outstanding arrest warrants on file against her, authorities said.

West Hills Regional police charged Sarah Byrne, 46, of D Street, with 50 counts of calling 911 for other than emergency purposes, 100 counts of harassment and 100 counts of disorderly conduct.

Byrne allegedly fled to Colorado after making the calls between March 15 and April 3.

According to a complaint affidavit, Byrne allegedly made phone calls to West Hills Regional, Stonycreek Township and Johnstown police departments, threatening officers and their families.

She also is accused of making harassing phone calls to the offices of District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi and District Judge Kevin Price.

Harassing phone calls also were made to Lower Yoder Township, and Cambria County Emergency Management Agency and IT (information technology) departments.

During the calls Byrne allegedly would leave an open line and say nothing, or “rant, make lewd comments, use obscenities and utter threats,” the affidavit said.

Byrne will answer the charges before District Judge Susan Gindlesperger, of Upper Yoder Township.