James Bronaugh of Sumpter Township was taken into custody by Van Buren Township Police on Feb. 16 and booked and lodged for assault and battery, interference with police (resisting) and interference with township business.
VBT Captain Greg Laurain said after being cited, Bronaugh’s bond was set at $600.
Captain Laurain said VBT officers assisted VBT Ordinance Officer Dave Schuler in citing Bronaugh for operating a business without a Certificate of Occupancy.
While attempting to gain information from Bronaugh, Officer Schuler was assaulted by Bronaugh as he attempted to close the door on Schuler, Laurain said.
The incident occurred at the location of a purported marijuana clinic in a unit in the strip mall at the corner of East Huron River Drive and Haggerty Road.
Terry Carroll, interim Director of Planning and Economic Development, said the township doesn’t have any paperwork on the business and Schuler was serving a citation for operating a business without a Certificate of Occupancy.
Schuler asked Bronaugh for his driver’s license to get more information. Bronaugh reportedly said his license was inside the business, but didn’t want to let Schuler in. Schuler put his foot in the door and Bronaugh threw Schuler against the wall.
There were two police officers with Schuler, Carroll said, and they arrested Bronaugh.
Carroll said the owner of the strip mall also will be sent a letter about the necessary Certificate of Occupancy.
At a recent public meeting, Carroll said there is reason to believe the clinic is also distributing marijuana.