A common misconception. Police try to make that distinction to avoid complaints, but the fact is that if they stop you for even a moment on the street to talk t

A common misconception. Police try to make that distinction to avoid complaints, but the fact is that if they stop you for even a moment on the street to talk to you, from a legal point or view, you have been arrested. If you ask if you are free to go, and the answer is not an immediate, "yes," you have been arrested. There are clear rules about when they can do that and how long they can hold you without charge. He was definitely arrested. I'm a bit surprised that he did not win an unlawful confinement suit, but then I don't know all of the details.