Kalamazoo Public Safety
News Release
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Matt Elzinga, Operations Division, 337-8142
Kalamazoo, MI: The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has apprehended a woman who was caught on video assaulting a voter returning an absentee ballot today. During the incident, which happened near the drop box located at 415 E. Stockbridge Ave. The suspect grabbed the victim from behind, threw him to the ground, and then struck him several times.
While the motive is unclear, the suspect is believed to have been suffering from mental health issues at the time of the incident.
“In Kalamazoo, we will not tolerate any type of voter interference and we have a plan to ensure every vote is counted and every voter can exercise his or her right safely,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley. “Fortunately, ballot boxes in Kalamazoo have been affixed with a surveillance camera and we were able to capture images of the suspect. KDPS has located and apprehended the suspect, who has been admitted to a local hospital and is receiving treatment.”
According to Coakley the investigation is ongoing. The victim, a 74-year-old Kalamazoo resident, sustained minor injuries to his hands and knees and was transported by LIFE EMS to Bronson Hospital.
Kalamazoo Public Safety reminds you to report suspicious activity at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Lt. Gretchen Mayo
