Which of the following can be issued when a suspect flees the scene of a crime?

Which of the following can be issued when a suspect flees the scene of a crime?

• A. Warrant
• B. Subpoena
• C. Summons
• D. Complaint

Answer: (A)

When a suspect flees, the tool used is an arrest warrant. A judge issues an arrest warrant based on probable cause that the person committed a crime, authorizing police to arrest the individual wherever they are and bring them before the court. This specifically enables apprehension of someone who is avoiding custody and is not tied to serving a person to appear or to charging them in the first instance. Subpoenas require a witness or party to appear, not an arrest. A summons is a notice to appear in court but doesn’t by itself authorize immediate arrest of a fugitive. A complaint is a charging document that starts the case, and while it can support an arrest warrant, it isn’t the order that allows immediate arrest on its own.

When a suspect flees, the tool used is an arrest warrant. A judge issues an arrest warrant based on probable cause that the person committed a crime, authorizing police to arrest the individual wherever they are and bring them before the court. This specifically enables apprehension of someone who is avoiding custody and is not tied to serving a person to appear or to charging them in the first instance.

Subpoenas require a witness or party to appear, not an arrest. A summons is a notice to appear in court but doesn’t by itself authorize immediate arrest of a fugitive. A complaint is a charging document that starts the case, and while it can support an arrest warrant, it isn’t the order that allows immediate arrest on its own.