Felony — When Offender Is About to Escape
When credible information shows that a felony has been committed and the offender is about to escape, an officer who has been given that information may pursue and arrest the offender without a warrant. There must be no time to procure a warrant.
To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Credible information; That felony has been committed; Offender is about to escape; No time to procure a warrant.
The base classification is Statutory authority, with possible enhancements depending on the conduct, victim, location, or prior history of the actor.
Elements you must prove
- Credible information
- That felony has been committed
- Offender is about to escape
- No time to procure a warrant
When credible information shows that a felony has been committed and the offender is about to escape, an officer who has been given that information may pursue and arrest the offender without a warrant. There must be no time to procure a warrant.
Practice 1 question on this topic
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Worked examples
Under Art. 14.04, a peace officer may arrest without warrant for a felony when:
- The officer wants to investigate
- Credible information shows that a felony has been committed and the offender is about to escape, so there is no time to procure a warrant Correct
- The officer thinks the suspect is dangerous
- Anytime within 24 hours of the offense