Which action constitutes probable cause for an arrest in a public location?

The action of witnessing a crime in progress clearly establishes probable cause for an arrest in a public location. When a law enforcement officer observes a crime being actively committed, it provides direct, firsthand evidence that a violation of the law is in progress. This satisfies the legal requirement for probable cause, as the officer has tangible proof of criminal behavior, which justifies immediate intervention to stop the crime and apprehend the suspect.

In contrast, hearing rumors about a crime does not provide the necessary factual basis for arrest since it is secondhand information and lacks verifiable evidence. Similarly, obtaining verbal confirmation from an alleged suspect could be subject to a variety of circumstances and may not constitute reliable evidence without other supporting factors. Finally, seeing a suspicious item in someone's possession can raise concern but does not, on its own, confirm that a crime is being committed at that moment. Probable cause requires a more definitive demonstration of criminal activity, which is why witnessing a crime in progress is the clear basis for arrest.