Woman disguised as ‘Roof Ninja’ discovered living inside shop sign, claims it was a familiar hiding spot
A woman discovered living inside a sign on the roof of a Michigan supermarket explained to police officers that it was her “old safe spot”.
Police found the 34-year-old woman, who remains unnamed, in the attic-like space within the Family Fare sign on 23 April.
During their investigation, authorities found that the woman had been residing there for over a year, equipped with a coffee maker, computer, bedding, phone, and even a printer.
The sign, estimated to be about 5ft (1.5m) wide and 8ft (2.4m) high, has a door accessible from the roof.
The woman was living inside the Family Fare sign at the top of the store. Pic: AP
When asked how she discovered the space, she simply stated it was a familiar hiding spot known to her family and kept secret from others.
After being discovered by police, she humorously commented, “Not anymore.”
Although she did not elaborate on her extended stay in the sign, the woman emerged dressed in black attire with ski goggles, earning her the nickname “roof ninja” from one of the police officers.
Impressed, the officer jokingly remarked, “Tell me that ain’t cool,” to which she replied, “That’s true.”
The woman lived inside the sign for around a year. Pic: AP
When the officers inquired about their roof access, one responded, “Ladder. We’re not roof ninjas.”
Authorities were alerted to the situation when contractors working on the roof followed an extension cord to her hiding spot. She was found inside as two officers asked her to open a small door on the sign’s back.
‘I honestly don’t know how she was getting up there’
Officer Brennon Warren of the Midland Police Department admitted, “I honestly don’t know how she was getting up there. She didn’t indicate, either.” Warren speculated that she may have climbed up from behind the store or other nearby businesses as there was no visible ladder.
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The woman informed police that she had a job elsewhere and requested to contact her employer for assistance with moving her belongings into storage. However, the officers declined, stating that store staff would handle the relocation of her possessions.
Officer Warren described the contents of her hideout, including flooring, a mini desk, clothing, a Keurig coffee maker, printer, computer, and explained that she was able to access electricity through a power cord plugged into an outlet on the roof.
The woman was cooperative and agreed to vacate the sign without facing any charges. She was provided information about local services before departing.
“She apologized and continued on her way,” said Mr. Warren. “Where she went from there, I don’t know.”
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A spokesperson for SpartanNash, the parent company of Family Fare, praised store employees for their compassionate and professional response to the situation.
“Ensuring there is ample safe, affordable housing continues to be a widespread issue nationwide that our community needs to partner in solving,” they added.
