P. v. Sanchez
On January 16, 2012, at 7:35 p.m., West Covina Police Officer Scott Mohler observed defendant driving southbound on Sunset Avenue just north of Francisquito. Defendant was illegally driving in the area bounded by double yellow lines before the left turn pocket in order to pass another vehicle. After passing the other vehicle, defendant turned left onto eastbound Francisquito. Officer Mohler activated his lights and pulled her over to the curb. Defendant looked around the car for her license, and told Officer Mohler she was having a hard time finding it. Defendant stated she believed it was on the floorboard and got out of the car and faced Officer Mohler. Defendant was holding a pink wallet and made a shaking motion. Officer Mohler saw a piece of cellophane come out of the wallet and drop down towards his right foot almost under the car. Defendant moved to step on the object. Officer Mohler, believing the package might contain a controlled substance, detained her in handcuffs and recovered the object. The package contained .46 grams of cocaine base. Officer Mohler searched defendant’s car and did not find any drug paraphernalia, and although he did not conduct a sobriety test, he determined while talking to defendant that she was not under the influence.
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