The state of California has become an interesting region when it comes to legislation against crime. For example, retail store employees are legally prohibited from physically stopping shoplifters. But if a misdemeanor or felony occurs outside in a public setting, a law-abiding bystander can perform a citizen arrest (under the Penal Code 837). Additionally, if they happen to witness an arrest attempt involving law enforcement, they can legally intervene to help apprehend the perpetrator, but only if the law enforcement asks them to get involved.
A bystander recently thrust himself into the middle of an arrest attempt by law enforcement without the full understanding of the rules specified for the situation. Scroll up and press play to see how the cops reacted to his involvement.
Source: Instagram
