People v. Laiwa

Opinion

MOSK, J.

While on patrol at midday in July 1979, a police officer saw defendant in a parking lot making stiff, “robot-like” movements. From his training and experience the officer formed the opinion that defendant was under the influence of phencyclidine (PCP). He detained defendant and tested him for certain distinctive eye movements that are seen in persons under the influence of PCP. When the test proved positive, the officer arrested defendant, took from him a closed tote bag he had been carrying, and put him in handcuffs; he may also have placed defendant in the patrol car at that…