Gary Robertson
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Police unlawfully obtained evidence of drugs, a gun and counterfeit money at a North Carolina home because officers took a late-night shortcut through the suspect’s yard, instead of walking up the driveway, the state Court of Appeals ruled on last week.
A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 that Gastonia officers lacking a search warrant crossed the line in December 2017 when they walked onto the front yard of Michael Shane Falls for up to 20 feet (6 meters) even though there was a “no trespassing” sign present. Wearing dark clothing, the officers then emerged through trees to speak to Falls before he could drive away.