By Kevin RectorLos Angeles TimesLOS ANGELES — Police officers cannot detain someone on the street just because that person tries to avoid contact with them, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday. It could also affect other litigation in which arrests are being challenged, particularly when people of color allege they were detained simply for trying to avoid police. Someone acting nervous or attempting to conceal themselves can still be “relevant context” for officers, but those actions alone do not constitute “reasonable suspicion of criminal activity,” Justice Carol Corrigan wrote for the unanimous high court. He continued to fight the outcome, and the state Supreme Court took his appeal. Thursday’s decision sends the case back to the trial court so that Flores can withdraw his plea and the court can grant his motion to suppress the evidence against him.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 03, 2024 14:30 UTC