Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Holding someone until police arrive

I was recently driving down the road, when two 10 year old boys threw rocks at my car damaging it. When I stopped the car they both ran. I quickly followed them and they both stopped when I caught up and waited until police arrived. But I was wondering, can I legally stop them and keep them until police arrive? They damaged my car and if I let them leave police may never find them and I would be stuck with all the bills to fix it and that doesn't seem right.


Asked on 7/19/09, 10:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: Holding someone until police arrive

I would not physically grab a child for property damage. You would never get significant restitution from a 10 year old anyway.

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Answered on 7/20/09, 5:54 am


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