Police: Topless Md. woman resisted arrest in Rehoboth
Rehoboth Beach Police arrested a Maryland woman Saturday after she walked around topless in public, city police said.
Responding to complaints by concerned citizens, officers from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department were dispatched at about 6:45 p.m. to the area of Wilmington Avenue and First Street for reports of a female walking around without a shirt, police said Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Officers were able to make contact with Jennie Lee D. Martin, 37, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Wilmington Avenue near the boardwalk, according to the report. Martin, who was topless at the time police contacted her, complied with an officer’s request to put her shirt on, but failed to provide officers with identification.
Martin demanded that officers show her the law prohibiting her actions or any signs stating that her actions were illegal, police said.
Investigation revealed that prior to police arrival, a male witness approached Martin and asked her to put her shirt on after observing several families preventing their children from viewing Martin. Martin reportedly responded with profanity and spat on the man. Police said Martin’s behavior and the altercation were witnessed by a 9-year-old child.
When officers attempted to take Martin into custody, she refused to allow officers to place her in handcuffs. Officers were forced to restrain Martin and force her into handcuffs.
As a result of her arrest, Martin’s purse was searched and officers found a broken pipe and a quantity of marijuana consistent with personal use.
Officers reported that an odor of alcohol was emanating from Martin when they were interacting with her.
Martin was arrested for one count of first degree indecent exposure, one count of resisting arrest, one count of possession of marijuana, and one count of disorderly conduct, which are all misdemeanor offenses.
Martin was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $1,500 secure bail.
No injuries resulted from this incident.