Originally Posted by
myrridin
Actually there are many cases in the US where the "criminal" did in fact sue and win... Citizen's arrest are generally considered "blue laws" much like the anti-sodomy laws in the south... Given the state your in I would put the odds in the favor of the criminal--even if they had a rap sheet a mile long and you had video evidence supporting your "arrest"...
The criminal can sue and win if
excessive force is used. You can't beat someone to a pulp while trying to arrest them unless you have a gold badge.
You can put an arm lock on them and hold them until the police arrive. If they fight against you, then you are within your rights to defend yourself.
All of this sympathy for criminals is surprising. How many of you sympathizers think the woman in the video should be charged with battery for knocking the thief off the bike?