It is the way law enforcement organizations are, they are para military orginaizations. Each officer has about 12 bosses--from sergeants, lt, capts, majors, chiefs.etc...If they had not attempted the arrest when they knew where he was, the chief, major, etc.. would have monday-morning quarterbacked this thing and disciplined the lower line officers. If it was done correctly, the highest ranking Chief would have made a call and passed that down to the lower officers. Without that call or directive, with outstanding criminal charges out, the officers would have to act.
just from my 17 years of experience. The upper brass never takes the blame on something even though they are the ones who should have thought this thing through. Dont blame the line officers. They make up about 90 percent of law enforcemnt, but they are just doing what they are supposed to do. Blame the ones who issue (or supposed to issue) directives. Usually one call to a Chief would have prevented an embarrassment--if it is a chief worthy of his title.