Opinion ID: 2631088
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Wright's Initial Stop of Worwood Was Justified Under Reasonable Suspicion

Text: ¶ 25 Our analysis of the reasonableness of an officer's actions in the context of an investigative detention requires a dual inquiry. [32] We first consider whether the officer's action was justified at its inception. [33] We next consider whether the length and scope of the detention are `strictly tied to and justified by' the circumstances which rendered its initiation permissible. [34] ¶ 26 As to the first inquiry, Wright observed articulable facts that Worwood had been or was about to drive under the influence, which justified his initial stop. He saw a large water spot on the road, a crushed beer can, and later, a cooler. He saw Worwood behind the wheel of his truck. He also smelled alcohol on Worwood's breath. This evidence justified Wright's reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and some intrusion into Worwood's personal liberty.