An Austin couple who reportedly hung up on police dispatchers after calling the Law Enforcement Center has pleaded not guilty to charges of methamphetamine possession.

Joshua Robert Quinlan, 24, and Akiemie Marie Sweet, 37, pleaded not guilty in Mower County District Court to charges of fifth-degree drug possession and storing meth paraphernalia in the presence of children. Quinlan faces two additional gross misdemeanor offenses — fourth-degree assault of a peace officer and obstructing legal process — and pleaded not guilty to those, as well.

Police Captain Dave McKichan said police received a call around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, but the caller hung up. Officers tracked the call to the 1600 block of Second Ave. SE, where they found Quinlan and Sweet, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs. There were also two young children in the home, McKichan said.

According to a court complaint, officers noticed that Quinlan was restless and had rapid, exaggerated gestures. Quinlan spoke with officers and reportedly admitted to doing meth. Police located dirty syringes in an outside garbage can, according to the complaint. The syringes tested positive for meth.

Police also noticed “track marks” on both suspects’ arms, the complaint states.

Sweet initially denied the meth use, but later admitted Quinlan had injected her with the drug, which caused her pain and led to him calling the police.

According to the complaint, Quinlan allegedly became unruly as police arrested him. He reportedly attempted to kick out the back window of the squad car. The complaint states he then tried to escape the car by jumping out and ramming his head into an officer’s stomach.

The man was maced, at which point he allowed officers to arrest him.

Both Sweet and Quinlan are scheduled for jury trials beginning Feb. 21, 2012.