2025 Session
Last amended: 1985 session
§ 629.37 — When Private Person May Make Arrest
Plain-Language Summary
A private citizen can arrest someone who commits a crime in their presence, or arrest a person they have reasonable cause to believe committed a felony.
629.37 WHEN PRIVATE PERSON MAY MAKE ARREST.
A private person may arrest another:
(1) for a public offense committed or attempted in the arresting person’s presence;
(2) when the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in the arresting person’s presence; or
(3) when a felony has in fact been committed, and the arresting person has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it.
History:
(10573) RL s 5232; 1985 c 265 art 10 s 1
History: History: (10573) RL s 5232; 1985 c 265 art 10 s 1
Practical Notes
Private citizens have limited arrest power. For misdemeanors, the crime must happen right in front of them. For felonies, reasonable cause is enough.