This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
A Farmington police officer stopped a vehicle at approximately 2 a.m. after hearing a loud thumping noise, suspecting a flat tire. The officer intended to inform the driver about the tire but observed the vehicle pull into a parking lot. The officer parked behind the vehicle, activated his takedown light, and approached the driver, who appeared intoxicated. The driver admitted to drinking, failed sobriety tests, and was charged with aggravated driving under the influence (paras 5-6).
Procedural History
- District Court, San Juan County: Denied the Defendant's motion to suppress evidence obtained during the stop (para 2).
Parties' Submissions
- Defendant-Appellant: Argued that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop him and that the community caretaker doctrine did not apply as the officer's safety concerns had dissipated (paras 2, 8).
- Plaintiff-Appellee: Contended that the officer's initial approach was justified under the community caretaker doctrine and that reasonable suspicion arose after observing signs of intoxication (para 7).
Legal Issues
- Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the Defendant.
- Whether the officer's actions were justified under the community caretaker doctrine.
Disposition
- The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's order denying the Defendant's motion to suppress (para 13).
Reasons
Per Baca J. (Ives and Yohalem JJ. concurring): The Court found that the officer's initial approach was justified under the community caretaker doctrine due to the safety concern of a flat tire. The officer's actions were not aggressive or intimidating, and the intrusion on the Defendant's privacy was minimal. The officer's subsequent observations of intoxication provided reasonable suspicion to conduct a DWI investigation. The Court distinguished this case from others where the initial contact was aggressive or not related to community caretaking (paras 9-12).