Kalamazoo, MI:
On December 16, 2020, at approximately 5:15 PM, Kalamazoo Public Safety’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), both of which are part of the Community Outreach and Problem Solving Division (COPS), were conducting a surveillance operation in an effort to continually combat the significant increase in gun violence around the City of Kalamazoo. This violence has been primarily attributed to gang/group feuds throughout areas of Kalamazoo. Investigators observed three subjects known for their involvement in gun violence, occupying a vehicle on the north side of Kalamazoo. Both of these individuals were found to have outstanding felony warrants for their arrest.
Surveillance was conducted and the vehicle/occupants were contacted in the 400 block of W. Michigan Ave. During this contact, two males fled on foot and were apprehended after short foot pursuits. Investigators located two (2) discarded firearms, both of which were fully loaded, as well as illegal narcotics and evidence of distribution.
A 24-year-old male, as well as the two other Kalamazoo residents (22 and 23 years old), were arrested on their warrants as well as various drug and weapons violations. All were lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. These cases will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.
By authority of: Sgt. Justin Wonders
