Opinion ID: 1330748
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: suppression of toolbox

Text: McLaughlin contends the toolbox and the drugs contained therein should have been suppressed at trial on the grounds that: (1) the evidence was fruit of an illegal stop and arrest; and (2) the warrantless search was invalid. We disagree. First, we find no illegal stop or arrest. Owens testified that, given the neighborhood's high crime rate and McLaughlin's strange behavior, he suspected criminal activity. This was sufficient justification to stop the cab. Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 88 S.Ct. 1868, 20 L.Ed. (2d) 889 (1968); State v. Culbreath, 300 S.C. 232, 387 S.E. (2d) 255 (1990). Further, once the marijuana cigarette fell from McLaughlin's pocket, Owens had probable cause to arrest him. Accordingly, the stop and arrest were legitimate and, therefore, the toolbox was not illegally obtained fruit. Second, as to the warrantless search of the toolbox, the police were entitled to search the taxicab without a warrant pursuant to the automobile exception. Carroll v. U.S., 267 U.S. 132, 45 S.Ct. 280, 69 L.Ed. 543 (1925). Recently, the United States Supreme Court has held that containers within vehicles are subject to warrantless searches if police have probable cause to believe the container holds contraband. California v. Acevedo, ___ U.S. ___, 111 S.Ct. 1982, 114 L.Ed. (2d) 619 (1991). Here, probable cause to search the toolbox at the scene of arrest was established by: McLaughlin's suspicious behavior, his possession of large amounts of cash, the presence of the marijuana cigarette, and, finally, his repeated denial of ownership of the toolbox. The entitlement to a warrantless search of the toolbox at the scene of arrest, under Carroll and Acevedo, supra, continued through the search at the police station. Chambers v. Maroney, 399 U.S. 42, 90 S.Ct. 1975, 26 L. Ed. (2d) 419 (1970); State v. McRae, 255 S.C. 287, 178 S.E. (2d) 666 (1971). The toolbox and its contents were properly admitted at trial.