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yesterday

Marine City Police Probe Pepper-Spray Clash at Zimmerman's Meat Market as Store Closes

Investigators plan to submit reviewed evidence to county prosecutors for charging decisions.

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Zimmerman's Meat Market in Marine City is closed until further notice after situation involving a group of "First Amendment auditors" escalated. One Tuesday, Jan. 6, the group was filming into the market, when the business called the police. The owner said he went to go speak with a police officer that was in the area. As he did that, video shows one of the group members pepper-spraying him.

Overview

  • Marine City police are investigating a Jan. 6 confrontation in front of Zimmerman's Meat Market that escalated from a verbal dispute to the use of pepper spray.
  • The owners say the father was walking toward a nearby officer when he was sprayed, while the self-described First Amendment auditors contend they acted in lawful self-defense.
  • Officers seized the pepper spray, obtained circulating social-media videos, and are assessing whether the spraying was an unprovoked assault or justified.
  • The co-owner’s father was treated at a local hospital and is recovering, and the market has closed until further notice.
  • A note posted on the door criticized the Marine City Police Department and the owners told Local 4 they plan to sell the business, as the police chief emphasized continued service to residents.