§ 563.051 RSMo – Private Person’s Use of Force in Arrest in Missouri

563.051. Private person’s use of force in making an arrest.

Private citizens can use force to help stop a crime—but only under strict rules.

Missouri law allows private individuals to use force to help make an arrest or stop someone from escaping, but deadly force is only allowed in rare and serious situations.

1. A private person who is told by someone they reasonably believe is a police officer to help with an arrest or stop an escape can use physical force if they think it’s necessary—unless they know or believe the arrest isn’t legal.

2. A private person acting on their own may use physical force to arrest or stop someone from escaping if:

• They reasonably believe the person committed a crime,
• The person actually did commit that crime, and
• The use of force is immediately necessary to make the arrest or stop the escape.

3. A private person can use deadly force only:

1. When deadly force is allowed under other parts of this chapter;
2. When they reasonably believe deadly force is allowed and are told to use it by a law enforcement officer; or
3. When they reasonably believe deadly force is immediately needed to arrest someone who, at that moment and in front of them:
   1. Has committed or tried to commit a class A felony or murder; or
   2. Is trying to escape using a deadly weapon.

4. The defendant must raise the issue of justification if using this law as a defense.

View the full statute here

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