1,216. Rescuing Someone in Danger

184:8 If one person sees another in danger and he is able to save him, or to pay others to save him, then he is obligated to do so. He can expect the one he saved to pay him back if he has the money but if he doesn't, one should not refrain; he should still save the endangered person, at his own expense. If one did refrain, he violates the transgression against standing idly by while another is in danger (Leviticus 19:16). Similarly, if one heard some evil people plotting to harm someone or setting a trap for him, if he didn't warn the other, or if he is able to pay off the conspirators to cancel their plans and he didn't do so - in these and similar such cases, he violates the transgression against standing idly by while another is in danger. Conversely, one who saves a life is considered as if he saved an entire world.

184:9 If a person is involved in counterfeiting and there is reason to believe that his actions will endanger others, he's considered like a pursuer, ("rodeif" - i.e., a danger to the innocent) and we warn him to stop. If he doesn't listen, it's permitted to turn him in to the authorities, letting them know no one else is involved except this person alone. Similarly, if another person is implicated, he may inform the authorities that he is not involved and that the guilty party is solely responsible.