State v. Lemus

Brown, A.C.J.

Pedro Lemus was convicted of possessing cocaine discovered in his car and on his person during a later strip search. The critical evidence was collected after a routine traffic stop for improper lane change and a search of his car without a warrant. Because the trial court erred deciding the evidence was properly seized in a plain view search or search incident to arrest, we reverse.

FACTS

Officer Richard Washburn saw Mr. Lemus make what the officer believed to be an improper lane change on a city street in Othello. Officer Washburn stopped Mr. Lemus’s *97vehicle and asked for backup,…