Scott

ORDER

On January 26, 2006, this case came on for hearing on defendant Ronald Scott’s motion to suppress two baggies, containing approximately .75 grams of marijuana, found on August 3, 2005 in the glove compartment of his vehicle and in a cigarette box located on the center console of the vehicle. Livia Morales and Lara Wallman, Certified Law Student, from the Federal Defender’s Office, appeared for defendant Scott, who was present; Matthew Block, Certified Law Student, appeared for the government. In accordance with this court’s request, the parties submitted simultaneous closing arguments on the motion to suppress, as well as simultaneous replies to those closing arguments.

A. Facts

The following facts elicited from Officers O’Connor and Asarían at the hearing on January 26, 2006, provide the factual backdrop for resolution of the issues presented in the pending motion.

On August 3, 2005 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officer Asarían, a law enforcement park ranger in Lassen Volcanic National Park, was alerted by an unknown motorist of a vehicle accident further down the road. RT 8:15-25. When Officer Asarían arrived at the scene of the accident a few minutes later, he first…