News Release

Date: 08/12/21

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Executive Lieutenant Matthew Schemenauer, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880


Kalamazoo, MI: On August 11th, Investigators with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) executed three search warrants at the 700 block of East Vine Street, Kalamazoo, the 2500 block of Hazel Avenue, Kalamazoo, and the 35000 block of County Road 358 of Paw Paw, with the assistance of the Kalamazoo Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Kalamazoo SWAT Team, and the Van Buren County Narcotics Unit. These warrants were in reference to a methamphetamine distribution, illegal firearms, and stolen vehicle investigation. KVET investigators were able to identify the suspects and learned that they were distributing methamphetamine to subjects within the Kalamazoo area as well as possessing illegal firearms, stealing vehicles, and selling stolen vehicle parts. The primary suspect was also a wanted parole absconder from Michigan Department of Corrections.

While executing these search warrants and the arrest of the primary suspect of this investigation, the individual attempted to flee from KVET Investigators on a motorcycle and crashed into a police vehicle. The suspect then resisted officers while reaching for a loaded firearm in his possession. Investigators were able to take him into custody without serious injury to the suspect or officers.

During a search of the homes, properties, and involved subjects, Investigators located crystal methamphetamine, controlled substance pills packaged for illegal sale, drug distribution packaging materials, six semi-auto pistols, an AR style rifle, numerous magazines and ammo, multiple stolen vehicles and dismantled vehicle parts, and approximately four thousand dollars of suspected drug proceeds. Charges will be submitted on seven suspects contacted during the search warrants for charges such as Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Felony Firearm, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Stolen Vehicles, Fleeing and Eluding, and Resisting and Obstructing Police. The seven suspects were identified as Kalamazoo and Paw Paw area residents ranging from twenty years old to sixty-two years old.

The Kalamazoo area has experienced an increase in vehicle thefts, methamphetamine use/trafficking, and firearms violence this summer. KVET would like to thank the citizens who submitted tips and gave information related to this incident.

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 Justin Wolbrink