Should I start putting Tennessee's citizens' arrest law into practice?

[ForevrLonely29]

In Tennessee, our state's law is very open and lenient on citizen's arrest. If I witness any crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, I can take the suspect into custody as a private citizen. If I reasonably believe a felony has been committed, but did not witness it, I can make an arrest too. Any civilian can.

My hometown is starting to look more shady and ghettoish. It is only a matter of time until I witness something. I thought about arresting those who dangerously tailgate me for reckless driving. Some woman tailgated me almost to my bumper today.

Yes

No

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Updates

1 y

The law is TN Code Annotated 40-7-109

[exitseven]

No, it is a good way to get yourself killed. Leave it to the professionals. Get license plate numbers and addressed and descriptions and report it to the cops. Do not get your hopes up. If it is a traffic violation or some other minor crime the cops will not do anything.
If things do not improve over the next couple of years I would suggest moving because these thing only go one way.

[OlderAndWiser]

You are going to expose yourself to liability for false arrest if you can't prove that you had probable cause to make the arrest.

[Agape93]

You can also be arrested if you can't prove that the crime occurred. And sued. So please, go right ahead.

[Agape93]

@OlderAndWiser

[ForevrLonely29]

I thought about installing some cams in the rear and front. After what occurred today, I may eventually follow and arrest these crazy ass women who have been tailgating me. I have witnessed 2 like this so far around the past year. I did follow one and almost approached her window at the stoplight, but I didn't know exactly if she was armed, so I just yelled at her and got back in my car.

[Agape93]

So she can arrest you. Yelling is considered road rage in Tennessee, and is a crime

[ForevrLonely29]

Wait, I didn't yell the more I think about it. I gave her a hard stare. Some other guy rolled down his window and asked if everything was OK.

[Agape93]

So how did you mix up yelling with giving a hard stare? Sounds like a lie

[ForevrLonely29]

No, because I stood there for a minute. And I pointed at her.

[Agape93]

So you went from yelling, to a hard stare only, to standing there and pointing.

FYI road rage also considers glaring at other drivers and aggressive motions, like pointing at them.

[ForevrLonely29]

I mean, the law specified that I would bring the suspect to the county Sheriff. If the Sheriff declines to put forth motion to prosecute, I can take the person with my in restraints to the magistrate.

[Agape93]

And they can do the same with that road rage of yours. Keep in mind everything you do can be turned against you. Any roadrage, disturbing the peace, jaywalking etc. Can get you detained, the same way you could to random people

[DrPepper12]

Are you stupid or just have a death wish? No way in hell a private citizen is gonna pull that shit on a majority of Tennesseans!!!

[Staximus]

I've made a living dealing with idiots, drunk idiots, and idiots on meth, heroin, fentanyl, etc. The best thing to do is not engage them if you don't have to, they will drag you into their stupidity.

[gatixek710]

[ForevrLonely29]

Is that Gomer Pyle or whatever he is? Lol

[noohair]

You are not a police officer. Be careful. Lawyers will find a way to harm you.

[msc545]

Great idea - when you are beat up or worse don't say you weren't warned.

[Guacamole409]

No, the liberals will tear you apart.

[MisterWack]

No, not wise.

[jahaims]

Have fun being sued