Update: On October 11, 2017 detectives and patrol officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety continue to investigate the above armed robbery. Through this investigation video surveillance from the targeted business and surrounding area were reviewed providing additional information in this matter.
Included with this update is video footage obtained from the targeted business. This is footage of the armed robbery occurring. Also included are still photos of a person of interest and vehicle that were seen in the area around the time of the robbery:
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is seeking assistance from the community regarding the identification of this person of interest.
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 of: Sgt Charles Treppa
Kalamazoo, MI: On October 10, 2017, at approximately 11:15 P.M., officers were dispatched to the Campus Party Store, located at 2627 W. Michigan Ave, in reference to an Armed Robbery in progress. A soon-to-be customer was on his way in to the party store when he noticed a man pointing a gun at the clerk. The witness ran back to his vehicle and called 911. Moments later KDPS received an emergency call from the clerk of the party store reporting the robbery.
Officers later learned that a middle aged white male came into the store, armed with a handgun, and demanded money from the clerk. As the clerk emptied the register, as requested, he took advantage of a brief opportunity to disarm the suspect. The clerk fiercely reached for the gun and ripped it out of the suspect’s hands. The suspect scooped up as much money as he could fit in his hands before running out the doors.
The suspect was seen leaving the area on foot, westbound on W. Michigan Ave. A perimeter was set up and a K9 track was attempted. Due to heavy rain and foot traffic the track was quickly ended and the suspect was not located.
The suspect appears to be a middle aged white male. His face was covered with a black, tube style, cold weather mask. He was wearing an olive drab winter hat with jeans and a crew neck sweatshirt.
Anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-337-8120, or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
By authority of: SGT Kristie Hofer
Date: October 10, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139
