Officers were called to a convenience store after a reported shoplifting incident, where a suspect was later taken into custody and now faces misdemeanor charges.
On Feb. 11 at approximately 11:43 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department was dispatched to a convenience store on Church Street for a reported theft.
According to the police complaint, Michael Hiller, 25, of Ottumwa, was seen by a witness taking items and leaving the store without paying. Court documents state Hiller was given every opportunity to pay for the merchandise before exiting, and investigators allege his actions were intended to deprive the business of its property. The total value of the items was listed at $13.18.
Hiller was placed under arrest. Law enforcement reports indicate he was searched incident to arrest, and a clear glass pipe was found in his left shorts pocket. Officers used a NARTEC field test kit on residue in the pipe, which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Hiller was transported to the Wapello County Jail and later released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 15.
He is charged with fifth-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia, both simple misdemeanors.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
