A private person may make an arrest:
 1. For a public offense committed or attempted in the person’s presence.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 804.9

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
 2. When a felony has been committed, and the person has reasonable ground for believing that the person to be arrested has committed it.