Merchant Protection Statute And False Imprisonment

Ed resides in Maine, a state that recognizes the merchant protection statute (also known as the shopkeeper's privilege). Ed attempts to shoplift steaks from a grocery store and is caught in the act by the owner. The owner and an employee gently restrain Ed in a back room, providing him with gourmet food and wine until the local sheriff arrives three days later. If Ed sues the grocer for the tort of false imprisonment, he will prevail if he can prove that: