FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 4, 2021 Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922
KDPS seizes 7 illegal guns in 24 hours
Guns, other contraband seized in five separate incidents
Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) announced today it had seized seven illegal guns from the streets of Kalamazoo in less than 24 hours. The firearms and other contraband were recovered during five separate incidents, all happening on Wednesday, June 2.
This large, one-day haul followed a busy April and May when 48 and 58 guns were seized, respectively.
Below you will find details of the incidents that resulted in seven seizures on June 2, 2021:
Alamo Drive
KDPS officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1400 block of Alamo Dr. in response to a subject in possession of a handgun while experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers arrived in the area and contacted the subject, who was armed with a handgun. Officers were able to speak with the subject, who turned the weapon over to officers. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Felony weapons charges will be sought against the suspect.
Winton Avenue
KDPS officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Winton in reference to a male striking a female in the head with a handgun. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving. Officers flooded the area and quickly located and arrested the suspect. Upon searching the area, officers located the suspect’s bag, containing the firearm used during the assault. The suspect was arrested for several felonies including Felonious Assault, Resisting Arrest, CCW and Felon in Possession of a firearm.
Westnedge and Frank
Officers were addressing citizen complaints of narcotics trafficking in the area of N Westnedge Ave and Frank St when they witnessed a hand – to – hand sale of narcotics from a vehicle. Officers contacted the occupant and quickly located two loaded handguns in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle also revealed large amounts of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and additional evidence of narcotics sales. The suspect was arrested for several felony charges related to possessing the firearms and narcotics trafficking.
Harrison and Ransom
KDPS officers conducted a traffic stop on Harrison St. near Ransom St. During the investigation it was determined that the same vehicle had been used in a recent armed robbery. Officers arrested the 16-year-old driver for an active warrant. During a search of the vehicle, officers located two handguns and a large amount of crack cocaine. Based on the investigation, the 16-year-old driver and a backseat passenger were arrested and charged with CCW and Possession with the Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine.
Woodbury and Florence
Officers from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team and the Crime Reduction Team were in the area of Woodbury St and Florence St in reference to a recent increase of gun violence in the area. Officers observed a subject known to be involved in a recent shooting. The subject was also on parole for a robbery charge. Upon contacting the subject, officers discovered that he was armed with a loaded handgun. The subject was arrested for violating his conditions of parole, CCW, and Felon in Possession of a firearm.
Anyone with information related to gun violence or gun related crimes in Kalamazoo is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety or the silent observer at 269-343-2100.
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