A vehicle stop based on an officer’s mistake of the law doesn’t suppress the evidence found during the stop
Facts In 2004, Meridian police officer Joseph Moulds observed a person, later identified as Fredrick Moore, driving an automobile with only one working tail light on the city streets of Meridian. Acting on his belief that this vehicle was in violation of state law by having only one operative tail light, Moulds initiated a traffic stop. […]
Failure to look both ways before exiting parking space is not reckless disregard under MTCA
Facts In 2003, Robin Vo left her home at Bay Park Apartments and went to visit a friend who lived at Blue Meadow Apartments in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Upon leaving her friend’s residence to return home, Vo’s vehicle collided with that of Deputy Chris Russell, who was backing up from a parked position. Vo […]
Only person wearing coat in photo lineup is minor difference and not overly suggestive
Facts In 2005, a man entered the Super Saver Exxon station at the intersection of Old Brandon Road and Pearson Road in Pearl, Mississippi. He purchased a cup of coffee and then exited the store. He re-entered about five minutes later, pulled a knife on the store clerk, demanded that she open the cash register, […]
A handcuffed subject at a search warrant for drugs was in custody in this case
Facts In 2006, MBN, the Starkville Police Department, and the Okitibbeha County Sheriff’s Department executed a drug search warrant at the home of Perry Armstead. Officers located Armstead in his bedroom, just as he was walking out of an adjacent bathroom. In this bathroom, officers found $23 dollars, the serial numbers of which matched the […]
When a car is impounded an inventory search is permissible
Facts In 2004, Ruby and Earl Benson, after a trip to Mount Olive, Mississippi, returned to their home on Highway 35 in Collins, Mississippi. The couple observed a vehicle parked in their driveway and witnessed William James Logan exit their home carrying a money box which belonged to Earl. Logan then got into his vehicle […]
Police don’t have to inform defendants of their rights to have independent blood test in DUI stops
Facts On April 29, 2006, Officer Jimmy Lovern of the City of Louisville Police Department was answering a call from a stranded motorist. After Officer Lovern had picked up the stranded motorist, a car, traveling in the opposite direction, passed Officer Lovern moving well in excess of the posted speed limit. Officer Lovern turned his […]