People v. Taylor CA2/2

FACTS

On April 23, 2013, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Officer Gabriela Diaz was working undercover as a drug buyer at 6th Street and Gladys in Los Angeles. This area was known to the police as a “high narcotics area.” Officer Diaz was walking on 6th Street when appellant approached her and said, “Hey.” Officer Diaz said, “Hey, what’s up with you?” Appellant responded, “Nothing much, just chillin’.” Officer Diaz then asked appellant, “Hey, you got a dub?” She testified that a “dub” is street vernacular for $20 worth of narcotics. Appellant replied, “[Y]eah, but we got to go this way.” Officer Diaz followed appellant, who crossed the street and then asked her for money. Officer Diaz gave appellant a “prerecorded” $

1 All further statutory references are to the Health and Safety Code unless otherwise indicated.

2 bill. She testified that the Secret Service provides prerecorded bills to the police to conduct undercover narcotics operations. Appellant took the $20 bill and walked away. Officer Diaz followed appellant from a distance, but lost sight of him for 40 to 45 seconds as he walked on Gladys. When she saw him again, he was speaking briefly with…