Final answer:
The legality of assisting in a citizen's arrest, potentially under section 494(1)(i)(ii), depends on the specific country's laws and the circumstances of the offense. If laws permit, a citizen may assist in arresting a person caught committing a crime on or in relation to property.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario you’ve described involves a potential citizen's arrest, which is addressed under certain laws that can vary by country or region. In the context of section 494(1)(i)(ii), which likely refers to a legislative code, the legislation typically allows a property owner or a person authorized by the owner to arrest without warrant a person whom they find committing a criminal offense on or in relation to the property. This can extend to a citizen aiding in such an arrest if they witness the offense and if their actions are reasonable and proportional to the circumstances. However, it is important to be aware of the specific jurisdiction's legal framework as variations exist in different regions, and in some cases it could be illegal to assist in an arrest or could expose you to legal liabilities. To provide a definitive answer, the specific country's laws must be referenced.
If this situation were taking place in Canada, for example, section 494(1)(i)(ii) of the Criminal Code permits citizens to assist someone who is making a lawful arrest. In this particular case, if you see the store owner chasing the thief and calling out “stop thief,” and you believe the owner is attempting to make a citizen’s arrest, you may assist them. Your decision should be informed by the situation at hand and careful consideration of personal safety and legal consequences.