Snead

The superior court suppressed evidence found in respondent Edward Dewayne Snead’s hotel room and dismissed the criminal charges against Snead for possession of illegal drugs with intent to sell. The People appeal, arguing the warrantless entry of respondent’s hotel room by police in response to a “911” emergency assistance call reporting an accidental stabbing was justified by exigent circumstances. We agree and reverse.

Factual and Procedural Background

On March 26, 1990, respondent Edward Snead and his wife were staying at the Holiday Inn hotel in Vallejo. About 2 a.m., respondent accidentally cut his foot and called down to the front desk for help. One hotel employee called “911” emergency assistance, while two others went to respondent’s room to assist him. Respondent’s wife let them into the room, where they found respondent sitting in the bathroom bleeding from his foot. One of the hotel employees packed the bleeding foot with ice.

In response to the “911” call, firemen, police, and paramedics arrived at respondent’s room. Four firemen arrived first and entered the bathroom to aid respondent. Shortly thereafter, police officer Mark Coffman and his partner…