Eason

FACTS

At Eason’s preliminary hearing, San Bernardino police officer Robert Hines

testified that at about 5 p.m. on May 27, 2023, he and his partner were on patrol in an

area “known for” prostitution and human trafficking, weapons, and narcotics. Hines saw

a car with dark, tinted windows roll through a stop sign. The car did not immediately

stop when the officers first turned on their patrol vehicle’s lights, but continued for “a

few moments.” During those few moments, it slowed down, made a turn at the next

intersection, and drove slowly about half a block before stopping. As the car continued,

it made “several quick, jerky movements,” which Hines interpreted “as being something

similar to somebody holding on to the steering wheel while trying to maintain control of

the vehicle while also reaching back into the car.” While initiating the stop, Hines

determined the car was registered to an Oceanside address. Hines testified that, in his

training and experience, this was significant because “pimps do travel with their

2 prostitutes or victims” to San Bernardino from other parts of California and from other

states.

Although the rear window of the car was tinted, Hines…