Imagine a security guard observes an individual causing malicious damage to property on private grounds. When can the security guard, as a private citizen, lawfully arrest this individual?

Question: Imagine a security guard observes an individual causing malicious damage to property on private grounds. When can the security guard, as a private citizen, lawfully arrest this individual?

Answer options: ✅ When the damage is actively occurring, or the individual is fleeing immediately after causing the damage.

• Only if the property owner makes a formal complaint to the security guard first.
• After obtaining verbal permission from a law enforcement officer who is not on scene.
• A security guard always requires a warrant to arrest for property damage.

Correct answer: When the damage is actively occurring, or the individual is fleeing immediately after causing the damage.

Explanation: Under Section 494(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada, any person may arrest without warrant an individual they find committing an indictable offence. Malicious damage to property can be an indictable offence, and 'finds committing' includes being observed in the act or in fresh pursuit.