NEWS RELEASE
Date: 08/26/21
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 25th, Investigators with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) executed a search warrant on the 1300 block of Cambridge Drive, with the assistance of the Kalamazoo Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Kalamazoo Community Policing Unit, and the Kalamazoo Public Safety Operations Division. This warrant was in reference to 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.
Reference this ongoing investigation, KVET had already contacted and arrested one of the involved suspects last week in the 1600 block of South Westnedge Avenue for outstanding felony warrants. During that arrest, the thirty-two-year-old Kalamazoo resident attempted to flee on a stolen motorcycle, fled on foot, and then resisted arrest. The subject was also found to be in possession of a loaded stolen pistol during the course of resisting arrest.
During a search of the Cambridge property, Investigators located crystal methamphetamine, controlled substance pills, drug distribution packaging materials, a loaded semi-auto pistol magazine, stolen property such as credit cards and ID’s, and two stolen motorcycles. The residence was found to not be livable, and Kalamazoo City Housing responded, condemning the property for numerous housing violations. Kalamazoo County Animal Control was also contacted and addressed animal violations on the property. Of the eight adult subjects contacted on the Cambridge property during the search warrant, six were arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on different charges and outstanding warrants. Charges will be submitted on the suspects contacted during this investigation 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 Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Stolen Vehicles, Fleeing and Eluding, and Resisting and Obstructing Police.
The seven suspects were identified as Kalamazoo area residents ranging from twenty-one years old to forty-three 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
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