Missoula Woman Swallows Meth While in the Back of a Patrol Car

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 18, 2024, at approximately 9:30 AM, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the Poverello Center in response to a report of a person to be removed. Dispatch informed the officer that the reporting party, a staff member, stated that Amy Hout had thrown a knife at him. The staff member also reported that Hout had been previously trespassed from the property multiple times.

The officer located Hout in the courtyard and she acknowledged that she was aware of the trespass. The officer began escorting Hout off the property, but she mentioned that she had personal belongings on a nearby picnic table. The officer allowed her to retrieve her items.

Officers then observed Hout go to a table where there was makeup, an apple, latex gloves, and a small clear baggy containing suspected methamphetamine. Hout proceeded to pick up the baggie, and as she did, the officer instructed her to drop it.

Hout Resists Arrest

Hout refused to drop the baggy and officers informed her that she was under arrest. Officers attempted to secure Hout’s arms, but Hout stiffened her body and began pulling away. Despite verbal commands to place her hands behind her back, Hout continued to resist by pulling and twisting away. After a struggle, officers successfully placed Hout under arrest.

Officers returned to the picnic table to retrieve the baggie of suspected methamphetamine, but could not find it. Officers noted that a large crowd had gathered around the table, and upon questioning, several witnesses stated they saw the baggie in Hout’s hand during the struggle. One witness then stated that they observed Hout put the baggie in her mouth.

Hout was searched and then transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. The officer notified detention officers that Hout might have concealed or swallowed a baggie of suspected methamphetamine. The officer conducted a search of the back seat of her patrol car and discovered a small piece of the plastic baggie. The baggie now appeared to be empty, with visible teeth marks and traces of dark pink lipstick.

Officer Reviews Patrol Camera

The officer continued her investigation by reviewing the Axon camera footage from her patrol vehicle. The officer observed that Hout turned her head towards the back seat and spit the baggie out in the area where it was later found. According to court documents, the baggie had been in Hout's mouth for approximately 20 minutes, and it is believed that the suspected methamphetamine was swallowed during this process.

Hout is currently being charged with felony attempted burglary, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and felony tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Her bond was set at $100,000. On March 26, 2024, Hout was charged with felony robbery and assault.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.