Opinion ID: 390276
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Objective Basis for Suspicion?

Text: 50 The essential requirement for a valid investigatory stop is that it be justified by some objective manifestation that the person stopped is, or is about to be, engaged in criminal activity. United States v. Cortez, -- U.S. --, --, 101 S.Ct. 690, 695, 66 L.Ed.2d 621 (1981) (footnote and citations omitted). Based on all of the circumstances, the detaining officers must have a particularized and objective basis for suspecting the particular person stopped of criminal activity. Id. (citations omitted). 25 51 Oglesby had dropped off Martinson, who entered a home under surveillance. He was at the wheel with the motor running, looking apprehensive. His brown station wagon matched the general description of an automobile earlier seen leaving another residence under surveillance in the same investigation, and agent Rowe informed agent Fitzgerald of this similarity after driving his car to block Oglesby's. The back of the car contained band instruments in plain view, and Fitzgerald had heard that the suspected source of drugs played in a band. 26 Under these circumstances, Oglesby's presence and appearance justified a brief stop to freeze the status quo while the agents inquired about his possible involvement in the activities being investigated. See United States v. Cortez, -- U.S. at --, 101 S.Ct. at 696. 52 Because Oglesby was properly stopped for investigation and properly arrested when probable cause appeared, his conviction must be affirmed. 27