Erie Lawrence v. Commonwealth

BENTON, Judge.

The trial judge denied Erie Lawrence’s motion to suppress heroin seized from his pocket and convicted him of possession of heroin. Lawrence contends the warrantless search was unlawful. We agree and reverse the conviction.

I

The evidence proved Officer Christopher Jernigan went to a residence to investigate “a trouble unknown” report, which vaguely suggested someone was inside the residence. While walking to the residence, the officer saw a woman sleeping in an automobile with the engine running. After learning that the homeowner, who only spoke Spanish, was attempting to report…