In what scenario might an investigatory stop occur?

An investigatory stop, often referred to as a "Terry stop," is a brief detention by law enforcement officers based on reasonable suspicion that a person may be involved in criminal activity. The correct scenario involves when an individual fits a suspect description. This means that the officer has observed specific characteristics or behavior that align with reports or information provided regarding a suspect in a crime.

This principle is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which allows officers to conduct a stop when they have specific and articulable facts that suggest the individual may be involved in unlawful conduct. Matching a suspect description creates a logical basis for suspicion and justifies the stop for further inquiry.

In contrast, the other scenarios may not meet the legal threshold required for an investigatory stop. For example, witnessing a crime occur provides probable cause rather than reasonable suspicion, allowing for immediate arrest rather than a stop. Feeling unsafe or being present in a location doesn't provide the necessary justification for a stop without observable behavior consistent with criminal activity.