If a defendant, under arrest and in a police vehicle, manages to open the car door and run away, what has the defendant committed?

The situation described involves a defendant who is already under arrest and situated within a police vehicle. By successfully opening the car door and fleeing, the defendant has committed an act that falls under the definition of 'escape.' The term 'escape' specifically refers to the act of breaking free from confinement or custody, and since the defendant was in a police vehicle, which is considered a form of custody, their action constitutes an escape.

When someone is under arrest, they are not free to leave, and intentionally fleeing from that secured situation emphasizes a willful evasion of law enforcement authority. Moreover, 'escape' is a recognized legal term that captures the essence of the behavior displayed by the defendant in this scenario. Thus, this understanding of 'escape' aligns directly with the circumstances presented, making it the accurate selection among the choices provided.

Other terms like resisting arrest or obstruction of justice pertain to different actions or intents and may not necessarily apply to the context of fleeing from secured custody, while 'escaping custody' can be interchangeable with 'escape,' but may not provide the same clear legal precedent as the term 'escape' does in this context.