What are the conditions for making a warrantless felony arrest?

The correct answer is based on the legal principle that an officer can make a warrantless felony arrest if they have probable cause, regardless of whether they were present at the time the crime was committed. Probable cause means that the officer has a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that the individual has committed or is committing a felony. This standard allows officers to act swiftly to protect public safety and apprehend suspects when waiting for a warrant could lead to the suspect fleeing or destroying evidence.

The other options do not capture the full legal framework surrounding warrantless arrests. While being present during the crime might allow for immediate action, it is not a necessary requirement for making an arrest. Similarly, the ability to catch a suspect in the act or the suspect fleeing are circumstances that might create urgency but are not the sole determining factors for making an arrest without a warrant. The key aspect is the existence of probable cause, which provides legal grounds for the officer's actions.