“The law is clear that investigative detentions are lawful for a reasonable period of time,” Oates said. “Reasonableness is determined by the facts and circumstances at issue, and the facts and circumstances were the suspect was in one of 19 cars.”These are known as Terry stops, named after a Supreme Court case. However, the period of time has to be brief, not reasonable. Reasonable applies to whether the detention can be made in the first place.
From your link:
Police Chief Daniel Oates on Monday apologized to the innocent bystanders that got caught up in the search for the suspect. Oates also said the ends justify the means since the suspect was caught.
Ends justify the means...pure totalitarian evil.