Opinion ID: 163021
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Continued Detention of Mr. Mikulski

Text: 34 Mr. Mikulski next contends that the district court erred when it determined that Detective Perschon's continued questioning and subsequent pat-down search of Mr. Mikulski were supported by reasonable suspicion. After reviewing the record in the light most favorable to the government, considering the totality of the circumstances, and deferring to the district court's assessment of the credibility of the witnesses, we conclude that the district court's factual findings are not clearly erroneous. See, e.g., United States v. Long, 176 F.3d 1304, 1307 (10th Cir.1999). Upon de novo review of the legal question presented, see United States v. Caro, 248 F.3d 1240, 1243 (10th Cir.2001), we agree with the district court's ultimate determination of reasonableness. 35 As noted above, Detective Perschon had already noted the lack of a front license plate on the pickup truck when he approached Mr. Mikulski. In addition, Mr. Mikulski seemed nervous and was unable to confirm his identity. Detective Perschon testified that, in his experience, such reticence often results from a driver whose license has been suspended or who may have an outstanding warrant. Based on the totality of the circumstances, Detective Perschon was justified in asking Mr. Mikulski to step out of the truck. In addition, we agree with the district court that Detective Perschon's inquiry about the presence of weapons and subsequent protective frisk were reasonable. See Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 30, 88 S.Ct. 1868, 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968) (officer may pat-down suspect for weapons when he suspects criminal activity and he has a reasonable fear for his own or others safety). Mr. Mikulski told Detective Perschon he had a knife in his belt. The frisk was justified. Cf. Terry, 392 U.S. at 27, 88 S.Ct. 1868 (The officer need not be absolutely certain that the individual is armed; the issue is whether a reasonably prudent man in the circumstances would be warranted in the belief that his safety or that of others was in danger.) (citations omitted). 36 Under the totality of these circumstances, we agree with the district court that there was a particularized and objective basis for suspecting Mr. Mikulski of criminal activity and that Detective Perschon's actions during the detention were reasonably related in scope to the circumstances that justified the extended detention. As a result, Mr. Mikulski's detention did not violate the Fourth Amendment.