State v. Ellis

Soule, J. —

The State appeals from an order granting defendants' motion to suppress evidence obtained during the execution of a search warrant. Testimony shows that deputy sheriffs unsuccessfully attempted to gain admission by a ruse. Upon its failure, they entered forcibly under circumstances which will be detailed hereafter. The trial court suppressed the evidence solely on the ground that the use of a false name (the ruse) voided their attempts to comply with RCW 10.31.040.

We affirm the order of suppression but on grounds slightly different from that articulated by the trial court, noting…