Opinion ID: 2109125
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Validity of the Investigatory Stop

Text: We agree with the Court of Special Appeals that the officers had reasonable suspicion to make an investigatory stop of respondent. The officer witnessed conduct that led him to suspect Hall and respondent of burglarizing, or attempting to burglarize, the abandoned transformer building. He observed Hall and respondent approach the abandoned, boarded-up building, and saw Hall crouch down in front of the building while respondent went to the rear of the building. The officer then observed respondent come back around to the front and show something to Hall. According to the officer, Hall appeared to serve as a lookout while respondent went behind the building. These facts demonstrate that the officer had a reasonable, articulable belief, amounting to reasonable suspicion, that criminal activity was afoot. This justified a Terry stop of respondent.