Oliver Arrested for Pickpocketing

Oliver is chased through the streets by a mob shouting 'Stop thief!' He is eventually caught, knocked to the ground, and dragged before the police. The old gentleman, Mr. Brownlow, is brought to the scene and, despite his initial certainty, begins to doubt Oliver's guilt. Oliver is taken to the police office of the notorious magistrate Mr. Fang, who presumes him guilty and treats him with contempt. Oliver, weak and terrified, faints in the courtroom. This event leads to Oliver's first encounter with the justice system and his rescue by Mr. Brownlow.