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In a busy bus terminal, Officer Reyes witnesses a man, Dante, snatch a wallet from a passenger and sprint away. Reyes gives chase and apprehends Dante a short distance from the scene without a warrant. Dante is then searched on the spot and the wallet is recovered from Dante’s jacket pocket, along with a small knife tucked inside the belt. During the pursuit, Dante drops a bag containing a handgun and other stolen items; Reyes seizes the bag at the incident scene. A bystander objects, claiming the officers should have obtained a warrant to search.
a) Identify the controlling rule on warrantless arrests applicable to Dante’s apprehension and indicate which exception applies.
(b) Evaluate the legality of the search of Dante’s person without a warrant. Is the evidence from Dante’s pockets admissible?
(c) Assess the legality of seizing the bag and its contents found as Dante dropped it, and whether those items may be admitted into evidence. Include any limitations on searches and after-arrest areas.