It doesn't just apply to a citizen personally arresting someone physically. If you see a crime and call the cops, then proceed to follow to criminal until the cops arrive; it's the same thing.
I only know this because I saw a guy steal this kids bike at Walgreens and I called the cops and followed him until they arrived. I had to sign some stupid form because it was considered a citizens arrest, well at least in the state I live in.
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This guy did not deserve to die, they should have followed him and waited for the cops. It's sad that people think it's ok to kill others based on perception. These guys will be charged. I live in a shit part of town and carry almost daily, I would never dream of acting like this.
I've called cops countless times reporting suspicious activity. I called the cops last week on a homeless bum walking down the street screaming, swearing, and threatening people. I followed him until the cops came and when I saw the police car I pointed to where the guy was. It ended there for me. I think most people consider actually stopping someone as a citizen arrest and not just reporting him.
Carrying, and knowing the consequences of getting involved and using it, even if you are clearly doing what is right and legal, shows good sense. People think that if someone is charging at you with a knife and you shoot him dead that it will end there. You will be found innocent but there will be a cost to be paid in the form of time spent and legal fees. Plus, it's now on your record and if it happens again, even if you are again doing what is right and legal, thing will be a lot tougher as it will be argued that you are showing a pattern of using your firearm.
BTW, I am a firearms enthusiast, what do you carry and what do you load it with? I know a lot of hardcore guys look down on the 9mm but it's a good and easy round to shoot (which is important in a high stress situation) and the advances in the lethality with the high-velocity loads and being easy to double stack it for more rounds without increasing the size much.