A 34-year-old woman was found living inside a sign on the roof of a Michigan grocery store, where she had been for a year. Police discovered her living space, which included a coffee maker, computer, bedding, and phone, and were surprised by how she had managed to survive the winter. Authorities noted that the woman seemed to have a nickname and claimed the spot was an “old safe spot” known to her family, though she did not explain why she had chosen to live there. The woman requested time to call her employer and get a truck to put her belongings in storage, but the officers denied her request and said that store staff would remove her possessions and return them to her.
The discovery of the woman living in the sign on the roof of the Family Fare grocery store in Midland, Michigan, sparked interest from the Associated Press and other news media. Police body camera video of the encounter was obtained by MLive.com under a public records request, and portions were posted online. During the encounter, the woman emerged in black clothing with ski goggles on her head, explaining that she was sensitive to sunlight. The officers were curious about how she had gotten onto the roof and asked her if someone had tipped her off to the spot.
When questioned about how she had managed to survive the winter in her makeshift living space, the woman responded that she knew how to deal with the cold because she had been in Alaska before. The officers were impressed by her resourcefulness and survival skills, but ultimately told her that she would have to immediately leave the attic-like space inside the sign. The woman asked for time to secure her belongings, but the officers made it clear that store staff would remove her possessions and return them to her. Despite her initial reluctance to leave, the woman eventually complied with the officers’ instructions and left the sign.
The incident raised questions about how the woman had managed to go undetected for a year living inside the sign on the roof of the grocery store. Some people in the community seemed to be aware of her presence, as the officers mentioned that she had a nickname. The woman seemed to have a plan for relocating her belongings and securing storage for them, but the officers did not allow her the time to do so. The story of the woman living in the sign captivated the public and drew attention to the issue of homelessness and unconventional living situations in the area.
Overall, the encounter between the woman living in the sign on the roof of the grocery store and the police officers was a unique and unusual situation. The woman’s resourcefulness and ability to survive in such conditions garnered interest and raised questions about how she had managed to remain undetected for a year. The officers’ handling of the situation, including denying the woman’s request for more time to secure her belongings and eventually removing her possessions from the sign, highlighted the complexities of dealing with homelessness and unconventional living arrangements in the community. The incident served as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living on the margins of society and the need for compassion and understanding in addressing their needs.
