The police officer has either just witnessed an accident, or is watching one driver push another to the service station... Image dated by the source as being shot on May 21, 1951. Shown is the busy intersection at the junction of East McNichols Road and Joseph Campau Avenue located six miles north of the center of Detroit. -Courtesy of The Old Motor. Check out what this same intersection looks like today: https://www.google.com/maps/place/E...ce8a1e0c423f53!8m2!3d42.4186184!4d-83.0725879
I assume that is slush from a recent snow flurry. Makes a great juxtaposition with the palm tree mural as the backdrop.
If that wasn't the only gas station on the corner, one could've made money through photographing those gentlemen attending that one and have their plates traced. Then threaten to show all the action to their wives, if they don't pay up