How people filming into Michigan business led to scathing note about police, plans to sell company
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In Marine City, Michigan, an altercation stemming from a filming dispute led to a scathing note being posted at Zimmerman’s Meat Market. This note, expressing disdain for local police, declared the business “closed until further notice” and advised customers to “stay safe” without relying on the Marine City Police Department (MCPD) for protection. The local police acknowledged the right of the business owners to express their feelings but emphasized their ongoing commitment to public safety.
The incident occurred after a group of “First Amendment auditors” began filming outside the meat market. When co-owner Sarah Hoover approached them for assistance and received no response, she became frightened and called the police. Her father, Richard Hobig, attempted to talk to a nearby officer. According to video footage that went viral, a man filming pepper-sprayed Richard as he walked away, asserting he felt threatened.
Sarah reported feeling unsure of the auditors’ intentions, fearing possible robbery or vandalism, which led her to make three 911 calls. The pepper-sprayer maintained he was merely exercising his First Amendment rights. The conflicting accounts from both parties led to a police investigation.
On January 10, the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office charged the pepper-sprayer with unlawful use of a chemical device, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The individual’s name has not yet been released, and further legal consequences may follow as authorities await the victim’s medical records. Meanwhile, the owners of Zimmerman’s Meat Market are contemplating selling the business.
