United States v. Richmond

by
Milwaukee officers were patrolling an area known for drug trafficking, armed robberies, and gun violence. Around midnight, they saw Richmond walking toward them with his right hand in the “kangaroo” pocket on his T-shirt and saw “a significant bulge” in that pocket. After the officers passed Richmond in their marked squad, he changed direction, quickened his pace, crossed a lawn, and moved toward a front porch. Unknown to the officers, Richmond lived in the duplex. The officers parked, followed Richmond and, from 20-25 feet away, saw Richmond open the outer screen door, bend down, and place an object on the doorframe between the screen door and front door. They suspected Richmond hid a gun. Richmond closed the screen door and turned around. Richmond stated that he did not have a gun. Officers walked onto the porch, opened the screen door, and saw a handgun. Richmond confirmed he was a convicted felon, so they arrested and charged him under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). The Seventh Circuit affirmed the denial of a motion to suppress. The officers knew specific, articulable facts which, together, fostered their reasonable suspicion of “criminal activity.” Police may search an area strictly limited to that necessary for the discovery of weapons if they have a reasonable and articulable suspicion that the investigation's subject may be able to gain access to a weapon to harm officers or others nearby. View "United States v. Richmond" on Justia Law