Aguilar
People v. Aguilar
Opinion
Opinion
Elia, J.
After his motion to suppress was denied, Jaime Aguilar pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for sale while armed with a firearm (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351; Pen. Code, § 12022, subd. (c)); possessing marijuana for sale (Health & Saf. Code, § 11359) and possessing cocaine base for sale while armed with a firearm (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351.5). Aguilar also admitted having a prior conviction. On appeal, Aguilar argues that his motion to suppress should have been granted. We will affirm.
Facts and Procedural Background
On April 13, 1994, about 10:40 p.m., members of the R.E.D. team (Regional Enforcement Detail), arrived at 2014 Colony Street, apartment No. 9, in Mountain View. They planned to serve arrest warrants on appellant and Cecilio Zaragosa.
The R.E.D. team was organized to combat street crime in the Palo Alto area. Appellant and Zaragosa were believed to be engaged in criminal activities with the “Sac Street” gang—an East Palo Alto gang involved with drug sales, stolen cars, and weapons possession. According to one of the members of the R.E.D. team, Palo Alto Police Officer Glenn Hardin, appellant’s criminal record included arrests for possessing a concealed…