State v. Echevarria

William Ramos Echevarria appeals from the judgment and sentence entered following his conviction for delivery of cocaine. The matter has been referred for accelerated review pursuant to RAP 18.12. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

This case involves an undercover drug buy in downtown Seattle. Officer Douglas Vandergiesen testified that he was an observer for the police drug team. He testified that he watched Officer Clifton Paige walk along Pike Street and then turn onto Second Avenue. He saw Paige contact Echevarria and shake hands. Another person joined them. Vandergiesen saw them doing…