When can a citizen's arrest be made?

A citizen's arrest can be made if a public offense is committed in the arresting person's presence. This stems from the legal principle that empowers individuals to act in certain situations when immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further harm or the continuation of a crime.

In essence, when a person witnesses a crime occurring, particularly a public offense such as theft or assault, they have the authority to detain the suspect until law enforcement arrives. This provision exists to facilitate the apprehension of individuals who may otherwise evade authorities, ensuring that the justice system can respond promptly to criminal activity.

On the other hand, the other options restrict the circumstances under which a citizen's arrest can occur. The requirement for the arresting person to be a police officer limits the action to law enforcement only, while the necessity of an arrest warrant goes against the principle of immediate action in response to witnessing a crime. Lastly, the idea that citizen's arrests are only valid for petty offenses understates the severity of situations where intervention may be warranted.