Weird West Des Moines: Woman Who Flagged Down Police Was Packing What in Her Bra?

A woman who flagged down West Des Moines police for assistance last week got the ride she needed, but not the trip she wanted: Officers took her to the station and booked her.

Malissa Ann Gill, 22, of 507 155th St. SE, Altoona had been standing on the curb with her thumb extended, as if she were attempting to hitch a ride in the wee hours of March 28. When Officer Jason Heintz slowed his cruiser, “she began to wave her arms at me in an attempt to get my attention, like she needed police assistance,” according to the report.

Heintz said Gill advised him that she had been left in the area and was unable to call anyone for assistance because her cell phone battery was dead.

Heintz said Gill showed signs of intoxication, was slurring her words and was unsteady on her feet. Heintz agreed to take her to the Hy-Vee store at 1900 Grand Avenue so she could call a friend for a ride, but asked for assurance that she had no weapons or contraband before he placed her in the patrol car. 

According to the report, she said no, but agreed to allow him to search her purse. Heintz said an open vodka bottle was visible, but the joint was found hidden in a box of Marlboro cigarettes.

During booking at the West Des Moines jail, Gill allegedly said she had more marijuana hidden in her bra. She turned it over to a female security officer.

Gill was released to a sober third party on a promise to appear in court to answer the public intoxication and drug charges.

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