If you could be arrested with any famous person, alive or dead, who would it be? And what would it be for?
Most people have been asked about which famous person they would most want to meet, or have lunch with, or maybe be stranded on a dessert island with. These hypotheticals are usually just fun games played among friends. But for the 22 year old Erick Harris, he didn’t have a choice when the Arizona police stopped him and his two friends, Tupac and Robin Williams. The three young adults were arrested for the 100+ pounds of marijuana they allegedly had in the back of the pickup truck. Unfortunately for Harris, neither Robin nor Tupac are actually famous.
Not That Tupac, and Not That Robin
By now, you’ve probably figured out that the Tupac and Robin Williams that were arrested over copious amounts of cannabis were not the dead celebrities they are possibly named after. Unfortunately for the world, the rap star Tupac is actually dead, as is super-famous actor and comedian Robin Williams. While it is common for parents to name their kids after celebrities, it is not common for those kids to get arrested together.
The Robin and Pac that were arrested are 21 and 19 years old, respectively. Initially, the three were stopped for a traffic violation, however officers immediately suspected something was afoot and called a K-9 unit to help investigate. When the drug-sniffing pup arrived, police were able to discover 114 lbs. of marijuana.
When Can Cops Call in the K-9?
While officers are limited in what they are allowed to do during a traffic stop, it is a common practice to call for K-9 backup when a drug crime is suspected. Although a cop needs more than just a hunch to effect a proper search, a hunch is sufficient for an officer to call over a K-9 unit. And while a dog’s nose can sniff out drugs behind a locked door and sealed baggie, a dog sniff from outside the vehicle does not require a warrant.
Related Resources:
- ‘Hardcore Pawn’ Stars Arrested Over Repawned Stolen Goods (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Woman Gives Cop Fake Name, Gets Arrested on Warrants (FindLaw’s Legal Grounds)
- 8 Ways Twitter Has Gotten Celebrities in Trouble (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Can a Fake Twitter Account Get You Arrested? (FindLaw’s Blotter)