People v. Brown

The defendant was arrested at about 7:30 p.m. on February 17, 1971, in the vicinity of 431 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, by a patrolman who had been dispatched to that location to make a “ notification ” to a person living there. Upon leaving the building, the officer observed the defendant carrying a crowbar and an automobile battery, the cables of which appeared torn. The patrolman then stopped the defendant and asked whether he owned the battery, to which he replied, “ Yes ”. The defendant was then asked whether he owned the crowbar, to which he again answered, “ Yes ”. The officer…