A day after four armed men robbed a Studio City residence, Los Angeles Police arrested Alfred Baum and Richard Bader for narcotics possession during a June 5, 1966 traffic stop.

Both Bader and Baum confessed to taking part in the Studio City robbery after items from the crime were found in the car; they further implicated Hill.

[Notes 1] Miller, a man who matched Hill's description, opened the door; the LAPD officers arrested him in the living room under the assumption that he was allegedly involved in the robbery.

[Notes 2] While he confirmed that the apartment was Hill's and that he was waiting for him, Miller emphasized that there was a case of mistaken identity, and denied knowledge of any guns or stolen property.

While Justice John M. Harlan II agreed that there was probable cause behind the mistaken arrest of Miller and the search of the living room, he vehemently disagreed with the decision not to apply Chimel retroactively.