Which of the following must occur for an armed assault in a dwelling?

An armed assault in a dwelling typically requires that the suspect has the intent to commit a separate felony, such as burglary or robbery, at the time of the assault. This intention is crucial because it distinguishes the act from other forms of assault or criminal behavior. The "armed" aspect usually refers to having a weapon or the perceived intent to use force, which heightens the severity of the crime, particularly when it occurs within a dwelling where an expectation of safety exists.

By establishing the necessity of a separate felony intent, the law addresses the additional threat that an armed assailant poses not only to the immediate victim but also to the broader interests of public safety and property protection. This element reinforces the gravity of the situation and provides a legal framework for prosecuting the offense with the seriousness it deserves.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the legal definitions and requirements surrounding armed assaults. For instance, suggesting that the suspect must be unarmed contradicts the definition of an "armed" assault. Likewise, requiring theft to occur undermines the broader spectrum of possible felonies that may be intended, and indicating that the assault must occur outside the dwelling misinterprets the nature of this specific crime, which is defined by actions taken within the premises.