Rowell v. State

Antonio Rowell appeals the denial of his motion to suppress evidence and conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. We reverse, holding that the war- rantless entry into appellant’s apartment cannot be justified either under the “exigent circumstances” doctrine or as a valid protective sweep incident to appellant’s arrest outside the apartment.

Appellant was charged by second amended information with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Appellant filed a pre-trial motion to suppress physical evidence, arguing that the firearm was seized as a result of an unlawful…