Kalamazoo, MI: On September 20, 2017, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, along with officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Operations Division, conducted an operation on the east side of Kalamazoo in reference to recent gun violence in that area. During this operation, undercover investigators and uniformed officers were utilized.
While in the area, officers observed a wanted felon conduct a drug transaction. The suspect had a 5 count felony warrant for his arrest. The arrest warrant was in reference to a recent shooting that happened in that same area. Surveillance was conducted on the suspect and officers arrested him as he was exiting a local liquor store. During a search of the suspect and his vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun, additional ammunition, heroin, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and marijuana. The handgun was reported stolen to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department in 2016.
The 21 year old Kalamazoo man was arrested on his outstanding felony warrant. Charges will also be submitted for Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Stolen Handgun, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamines, Delivery of Heroin, and Possession of Marijuana.
Investigators made contact with several citizens in the neighborhood in reference to the action taken during this investigation. Many of the citizens contacted expressed their appreciation to the officers for addressing this issue. KVET investigators will continue to actively search for additional suspects related to the recent gun violence.
Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Sergeant Matt Schemenauer
Date: 9/20/2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt. David Boysen, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880
