People v. Dalton

Opinion

BIRD, C. J.

— This court must decide whether the warrantless search of closed boxes in the trunk of a car was lawful after the driver was under arrest and handcuffed.

I

Around 2:30 p.m. on March 4, 1976, Officer Ellis of the California Highway Patrol observed a white Cadillac bearing Arizona license plates proceeding about 65 miles per hour southbound on Highway 280. He followed the car a short distance and signalled the driver to stop. The Cadillac left the freeway and stopped.

Appellant, the driver, stepped out of the car. Officer Ellis noticed two knives in his belt. When appellant was…