People v. Vazquez
Opinion of the Court
—Judgment unanimously affirmed. Memorandum: County Court properly denied defendant’s motion to suppress physical evidence seized from defendant’s vehicle and residence. Contrary to defendant’s contention, we conclude that the court properly found that the officer’s use of a flashlight to illuminate the interior of defendant’s vehicle did not constitute a search within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment (see, People v Wiesmore, 204 AD2d 873, lv denied 84 NY2d 873; People v Scott, 166 AD2d 919, 920, lv denied 77 NY2d 911; People v Gilbert, 115 AD2d 303; see also, Texas v Brown, 460 US 730, 739-740). Upon illuminating the interior of defendant’s vehicle, the officer observed, in plain view on the floor behind the front passenger seat, a "black block type” package wrapped in black plastic. The officer testified that one corner of the package had a "tear” or "window” through which he observed a "white substance”. Based upon his training and experience in investigating narcotics trafficking as a member of the Canine Unit, the officer concluded that the package contained cocaine. Under the circumstances of this case, the officer had probable cause to believe that defendant was in possession of cocaine and he had probable cause to arrest defendant and seize the cocaine (see, People v Thomas, 125 AD2d 895, 897; cf., People v Grovner, 172 AD2d 1035, 1036).
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.