State v. Hicks

Defendant appeals his convictions for possession of a controlled substance and being an ex-convict in possession of a firearm, arguing that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress. We reverse.

On June 15, 1985, at 7:11 a.m., police officer Galick observed three individuals conversing between two closely parked vehicles in a downtown Eugene parking lot. Defendant was the only occupant of one car. As Galick drove onto the lot, defendant reached behind the seat, appeared to cover something and then drove off. After observing that the car did not have a front license plate and that…