Which of the following is an example of a crime eligible for citizen arrest?

• A. Jaywalking
• B. Theft
• C. Loitering
• D. Public intoxication

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is theft, as it is commonly classified as a crime that can warrant a citizen's arrest. In many jurisdictions, theft is considered a felony or a serious offense, allowing individuals who witness the crime in progress to detain the suspect until law enforcement arrives. The rationale behind this is that theft poses a significant threat to property and public safety, thus permitting citizens to intervene when they observe the act occurring.

In contrast, while behaviors like jaywalking, loitering, and public intoxication may be offenses, they are typically considered minor infractions or misdemeanors. These offenses do not usually justify a citizen's arrest because they are not seen as immediate threats to safety or public order in the same way that theft is. Therefore, the ability for a citizen to intervene is limited to more serious crimes that require prompt action to prevent ongoing harm or loss.