Opinion ID: 545558
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Scope of Concensual Search

Text: 13 Alternatively, Boucher argues that his consent to look in his truck was not a consent to search and therefore the scope of the search exceeded that consent. However, when Cooper asked Boucher if he could take a look in his truck, Boucher responded I'll help you get the stuff out, if you want. We agree with the district court's finding that Boucher could only have assumed the request was for a full examination of the pickup rather than a cursory look through the windows. We note, however, that the issue of consent is irrelevant in this case. Cooper already had probable cause to search the vehicle resulting from his observation of the concealed weapon in the front seat. A warrantless search of an automobile does not violate the fourth amendment when there is probable cause to believe it contains contraband or other evidence of criminal activity. Arkansas v. Sanders, 442 U.S. 753, 760, 99 S.Ct. 2586, 2591, 61 L.Ed.2d 235 (1979). As noted above, Cooper observed the weapon pursuant to a routine traffic stop and probable cause was created first by the observation of a concealed weapon, a violation of Missouri law, and secondly by Boucher's denial during non-custodial questioning that there were weapons in the pickup. Additionally, Cooper was justified in searching for the weapon (which he had already observed) pursuant to the limited search doctrine in Michigan v. Long, 463 U.S. 1032, 1047, 103 S.Ct. 3469, 3479, 77 L.Ed.2d 1201 (1983) (a protective search of the passenger compartment of a car is reasonable under the principles articulated in Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 88 S.Ct. 1868, 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968), i.e., danger may arise from the possible presence of weapons in the area surrounding a suspect). See also United States v. Ross, 456 U.S. 798, 102 S.Ct. 2157, 72 L.Ed.2d 572 (1982). In light of our determination that Cooper made a lawful search of the pickup, it is unnecessary to consider whether the inevitable discovery rule applies in this case.