Jonathon Booker challenged his conviction of third degree burglary, fourth degree grand larceny, fourth degree conspiracy, and four counts of second degree robbery.
One of his victims -- after supposedly being robbed at gunpoint, and seeing the perp enter a white car -- jumped onto that vehicle's hood and punched it with his fist. (He also managed to recognize one of the passengers and identified that person to police.)
When cops later found the vehicle (with hood marks and all), Booker and his cohorts were arrested. And, during the course of a search of the vehicle, officers uncovered a backpack containing a pellet gun and a stolen laptop.
At trial, when he was unable to stop the introduction of that evidence (and the statements made to police), Booker pled guilty to the charges.
On appeal to the Appellate Division, Third Department, Booker claimed the officers' conduct was illegal. But, in view of the underlying circumstances and the detailed information provided by the victim, the AD3 thought the cops acted with "reasonable suspicion" and that the arrest and search were within the bounds of the law.
And that's how Booker got booked.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Booker