City of Detroit v. Smith

Defendants in this case were charged with violating a city ordinance prohibiting anyone from interfering with a city worker’s performance of his duty. Specifically, they attempted to prevent a police officer from arresting their relative. We granted leave for plaintiff to appeal a Recorder’s Court order reversing defendants’ district court convictions and granting defendants a new trial. We reverse and remand.

On July 11, 1996, a Detroit police officer, working as a community relations officer, was patrolling a shopping center. According to the officer, he was in a clothing store when Lavada…