People v. Espino

Opinion

MÁRQUEZ, J.

Police stopped defendant Freddy Espino for speeding. Based on an informant’s tip and other factors, the police extended the stop for further investigation. In the course of the stop, defendant consented to a search of his person, whereupon officers found an object in his pocket. Thinking the object was crack cocaine, the officers handcuffed defendant. But after examining the object, the police determined it was not crack cocaine, but a diamond. Without removing the handcuffs, police continued to question defendant and requested consent to search his car. After some…