A West Des Moines couple was arrested Sunday night for allegedly firing their pistol into the air on Independence Day.
Christine Jean Meier, 52, of 1655 98th St., West Des Moines, was charged with reckless use of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.
Benjamin Dean Meier, 53, of 1655 98th St., West Des Moines, was charged with reckless use of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The incident began about 9 p.m. Sunday in the 1600 block of 98th Street in West Des Moines, where witnesses allegedly saw both of the Meiers “holding and discharging a semiautomatic handgun in to the air while standing in the backyard,” according to court records.
The Meiers allegedly discharged their firearm “near children and families,” according to court records.
Officers allegedly found “multiple shell casings in the backyard” of the Meiers’ residence.
In addition, Christine Meier was allegedly found in possession of “a clear plastic baggy with pills listed as a schedule 4 controlled substance, for which she does not have a prescription,” according to court records, and Benjamin Meier was allegedly found to be “in the immediate reachable proximity to” a “marijuana pipe with residue.”
Christine Meier is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $6,300 cash or surety bond. She is scheduled for an initial appearance Monday in the Dallas County District Court.
Benjamin Meier is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $600 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for an initial appearance Monday in the Dallas County District Court.
Christine Meier was convicted of third-offense OWI, a class D felony, in 2010 in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
