The People of the State of Colorado, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Michael Andrew Pappan, Defendant-Appellee.

Summary

The court reversed the suppression order, holding that officers had probable cause and an objectively reasonable basis to believe an immediate protective entry was necessary because a reported laser-sight rifle remained inside the residence and other occupants or threats had not been ruled out. The court also held that the search was reasonable in manner and scope and that seizure of the two rifles was authorized by the plain view doctrine. Justice Gabriel, joined by Justice Hart, dissented, concluding that the evidence showed no ongoing threat and that the entry was unsupported by exigent circumstances.