KALAMAZOO, MI: On March 17, 2017, at about 10:47 pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of S Burdick Street regarding a carjacking. The victims reported being approached by a female followed by two males. One male demanded property while another threatened to shoot them. These suspects took property including a set of car keys. All three suspects then got into the victim’s vehicle and left the area. The victims, two males, were uninjured.
About 5 minutes later, a public safety sergeant located the vehicle heading south on S Westnedge Avenue. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it fled. At one point, the suspects rammed a Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s vehicle and then a Public Safety vehicle. Officers were not injured and the pursuit continued. A short time later, the vehicle crashed at the dead end of Peekstock Road.
The driver fled on foot and was caught after a public safety K9 tracked him a short distance. The other two suspects also fled on foot, were pursued by officers, and were arrested a short distance from the vehicle. During this foot chase an officer sustained a minor injury. Unfortunately, the victim’s vehicle caught on fire becoming fully involved. An Engine was dispatched and the flames were extinguished. The vehicle appears to be a total loss. Other stolen property was recovered and returned to the victims.
The suspects: an 18 year old male resident of Kalamazoo was arrested for Carjacking, Conspiracy, Fleeing and Eluding, and Resisting and Obstructing; a 19 year old male resident of Kalamazoo was arrested for Carjacking, Conspiracy, Resisting and Obstructing, and two unrelated warrants; and a 21 year old female resident of Grand Rapids was arrested for Carjacking, Conspiracy, Resisting and Obstructing, and an unrelated warrant. All suspects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.
Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.
Authority: Lt. Diaz
Date: March 18, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139
