The problem with any citizen arrest is what happens if the suspect calls your bluff. If I see some 18 year old stealing gas on my farm and hold him at gun point while we wait for the sheriff, then all good. But what happens when he tries to get past you and says what are you gonna do about it? Then you are thrust into a murky area of law. Can you really shoot him to stop a fleeing felon? Can you claim you feared for your life since you had a right to park your car in the way and had no duty to retreat? Even if you meet the statutory language, once the local news paints you as a person with an "arsenal", do you think the DA will let you off the hook?
I've thought about holding trespassers at gunpoint on our ranch, but the fear of unintended consequences holds me back.
I agree. From what I've read even if the legal system agrees it was a justifiable shooting, the cost to you can be high in terms of legal costs and possible civil suit. If you can ID the trespasser or bugler to the police, it might be better to not hold him at gunpoint.
