The People of the State of New York v. Harry Blasich

Summary

The Court affirmed the Appellate Division, holding that the warrantless search of the defendant's automobile and the gym bag found therein was proper. The search was justified under the Belton II rule because the officers had probable cause to arrest the defendant for possession of burglar's tools and consequently probable cause to believe the vehicle contained evidence related to that crime. The Court also rejected the argument that the formal charge of criminal impersonation limited the scope of the search and found that the timing of the search after impoundment did not require a warrant.