[F]ederal arrests typically occur at 6 a.m. local time. In other words, this is the usual course of action — what our criminal justice system considers a reasonable hour, and designed to rouse groggy suspects who are less prepared to resist arrest. Furthermore, the arrest warrant for Stone was executed via a “knock and announce” tactic, which allows the subject a reasonable amount of time to respond to orders to open the door.
A few of the FBI agents could be seen in possession of mechanical breaching equipment — sledge hammers, Halligan tools, hydraulic door-jamb spreaders — related to the search warrant. Why? This may be due to concern that material evidence in the probe might be destroyed. Evidentiary items that interested the prosecution team may also have been withheld from the indictment in order not to tip off other potential defendants. This may also be another reason why the arrest team employed speed, surprise and a failsafe breach — prudent in similar cases where it is deemed necessary to ensure preservation of potential evidence.
And finally, “surrender voluntarily” is the exception — not the rule. Stone was charged in a seven-count felony indictment. His celebrity status affords him no special treatment. The only exception would be if the accused has acted in good faith, and his attorney has negotiated a peaceful surrender with the prosecutor.
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