The Sixth Circuit disagreed. During the inventory search, officers discovered a large black tote secured with a padlock. Appeals court sides with officerThe Sixth Circuit agreed with Lawless and reversed the district court. The Sixth Circuit ultimately reversed the district court’s decision, ruling in favor of Officer Lawless. The decision was issued Aug. 7, 2026, by Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton and Judges David McKeague and John K. Bush of the Sixth Circuit.