Soulja Boy Arrested in GA with Pot, Guns, Cash in Car
Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested in Georgia on Tuesday after a traffic stop turned into a drug, cash, and gun bust.
An officer stopped Soulja Boy's rented Cadillac Escalade early in the morning.
Inside his vehicle, officers found a "substantial amount" of marijuana, guns and some cash. Authorities did not indicate the exact amount of drugs found in the car, or if the guns had the proper paperwork.
Why were officers able to search through Soulja Boy's car? Usually, police aren't given the right to search a vehicle during a routine traffic stop.
But there are some instances when they can. If you appear to be doing something suspicious, they may be able to conduct a search. For example, if it looks like you are frantically trying to conceal something this may be enough.
Police officers can also conduct a search if they have probable cause that you're involved in some sort of criminal activity. Like if they pull up your license plate and registration information and find out that you're on a list of wanted fugitives.
Also, officers can seize items that are in "plain view." If Soulja Boy had a stash of marijuana, cash and guns on the passenger's side in the front of the car, it will likely be considered in "plain view." Officers can then go ahead and seize these items.
Since authorities aren't divulging the details of Soulja Boy's arrest, it's unclear why officers had the privilege to search through his car. As for the rapper: according to Billboard, he faces charges of felony possession of marijuana, felony possession of a weapon and commission of a crime and possession with intent to distribute.
Related Resources:
- Rapper Soulja Boy arrested, jailed (WSB-TV)
- What to Do During Traffic Stops (FindLaw)
- Rapper T.I. Released from Jail ... Again (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Rapper Cassidy Arrested: Suspect in Philadelphia Murder (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)