Opinion ID: 2636899
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Response to unlawful assertion of authority.

Text: Appellant argues here, as he did below, that his statement that the girls were in the trailer may not be considered in determining probable cause to believe the girls were in the trailer because that statement was the product of Agent Barcklay's unlawful demand for entry. As noted above, the trial court found it unnecessary to decide whether Barcklay demanded entry or simply asked to speak to appellant because, the court ruled, probable cause to believe the missing persons were in the trailer existed apart from appellant's statement. We agree with that ruling. The evidence was sufficient to support that court's finding that even before Agent Barcklay said anything to appellant, probable cause existed to believe appellant kidnapped the missing persons and was holding them in the trailer, and that their lives were in danger. It is not necessary to consider appellant's statement that the girls were in the trailer to conclude that the exigent circumstances exception to the warrant requirement justified the entry. The trial court did not err in denying appellant's motion to suppress evidence.