Date:  Tuesday, May 16, 2023

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

Contact: Capt. Diaz, 269-337-8139

Traffic crash on I-94 leaves one person injured

Kalamazoo, Michigan:

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at approximately 11:48 P.M., Kalamazoo Public Safety Department responded for a report that a pedestrian riding a moped on I-94 had been struck by another vehicle near Sprinkle Rd in the construction zone. Upon officers’ arrival, they located the victim with severe injuries and an involved vehicle that was on fire due to the crash.

Public Safety Officers performed lifesaving efforts on the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is listed in stable condition. Alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor in the crash. The crash is still under investigation. East bound I-94 was closed for several hours but is now open.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of: 

Lt. Scott Miller

Date:  May 16, 2023

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

Contact:  KDPS Criminal Investigation Division 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:

Multiple Shootings on Mother’s Day Culminate with the Killing of One Man

On Sunday, May 14, 2023, Officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to multiple shootings.  In all 57 casings were recovered including 29 – 9mm, 19 – 40 caliber, and 9 – 45 caliber.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Frank Street and N Westnedge Avenue at about 1:45 PM.  Officers responded to reports of “shots fired.”  Officers recovered multiple shell casing but did not locate any involved individuals.  Minutes later, a 20-year-old, male resident of Kalamazoo, walked into an area hospital seeking treatment for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.  The male was uncooperative.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Howard Street and S Westnedge Avenue at about 3:21 PM.  Officers again responded to reports of “shots fired” this time between two vehicles.  One of the involved vehicles crashed and the occupants fled on foot.  Officers located two subjects attempting to flee the area and arrested them.  Shell casings were recovered from the scene along with a handgun.  The suspects, a 19-year-old, male, resident of Kalamazoo and a 22-year-old, male resident of Kalamazoo were arrested on a variety of charges related to weapons and drugs. 

The third shooting occurred in the area of Ada Street and N Westnedge Avenue at about 4:24 PM.  Officers again responded to reports of “shots fired” in a “drive by.”  In all, three people were shot including: a 58-year-old, female resident of Kalamazoo, who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound; a 22-year-old, male resident of Kalamazoo, who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound; and Marcus Leonard Pierce, a 33-year-old, male resident of Kalamazoo, who was killed by the gunfire.  Although Officers and other medical staff made efforts to save Mr. Pierce, his wounds were not survivable.                 

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety wishes to extend its sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Pierce.  This senseless act was reported by witnesses to have been perpetrated by multiple suspects driving down Ada Street.  The suspects fired multiple rounds toward the victims, who were in the front yard of a residence.  The suspects then fled the area.       

On Monday May 15, 2023, Detectives with the assistance of the Operations Division conducted a search warrant in the 900 block of Mills Street.  A person of interest was taken into custody and additional evidence was recovered.  This open and active investigation is seeking the help of the community to bring those responsible for killing Mr. Pierce to justice.  Witnesses and those with information are asked to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 269-337-8139. The community can also provide information anonymously through Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.     

By authority of:

Captain Rafael Diaz

Criminal Investigation Division

Date: May 11th, 2023

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

Contact: KDPS Criminal Investigations Division 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, at approximately 8:59 p.m., Kalamazoo Deptartment of Public Safety officers were dispatched to the area of Bridge Street and Gilbert Avenue regarding several calls for shots fired. Shortly after, a gunshot victim arrived at a local hospital. The nineteen year old Kalamazoo resident had been shot in the head. Officers scoured the area and located the scene of the shooting. The gunshot victim is in grave condition and not expected to survive.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and is asking for assistance from the public.

Anyone having any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 / kalamazoosilentobserver.com.


By authority of:

Executive Lieutenant Michael Treu

________________________________________________UPDATE___________________________________________________

Date: May 16, 2023

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

Contact: KDPS Criminal Investigation Division 269-337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:

Update:

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety wishes to extend its sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Omarre Brishon Williams, who was killed by gunfire. Because Mr. Williams did not immediately succumb to his injuries, the family was able to work with Gift of Life Michigan. Gift of Life Michigan is an organization that arranges organ and tissue donations from a deceased person to those in need. The family expressed an interest that something positive come from this tragedy. Organ and tissue donation saves lives and enhances the quality of life for many.

The investigation into Mr. Williams murder is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division. Detectives are diligently pursuing leads and working towards bringing those responsible before the court to answer for their crimes. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 269-337-8139. We cannot solve this senseless killing without the assistance of those in the community, who have knowledge of the case, to come forward. The community can also provide information anonymously through Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

By authority of:

Captain Rafael Diaz

Criminal Investigation Division

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

Contact:  Jay Shatara, shataraj@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922 

Residential Structure Fire

Kalamazoo, MI:

On May 9^th, at 11:30 PM Kalamazoo Public Safety was dispatched to the report of a residential fire alarm in the 700 block of Collins St.  Arriving officers found water flow coming from the fire suppression system of a multi-residential structure.

The fire caused minor damage and was extinguished by the suppression system however, water damage affected several floors in the structure.  The investigation was turned over to the Fire Marshal’s office.

Anyone having any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 / kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Authority:

Lieutenant K. Nielsen 12635

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

Contact:  Jay Shatara, shataraj@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922 

Commercial Structure Fire

Kalamazoo, MI:

On May 9^th, 2023 at 8:53 PM Kalamazoo Public Safety was dispatched to the report of a commercial structure fire in the 800 block of Nola St.  Arriving officers found smoke coming from multiple locations on the business. 

The fire was located and contained to a commercial appliance inside the structure and was extinguished in 10 minutes.  The business was closed at the time of the fire and the investigation turned over to the Fire Marshal’s office.

Anyone having any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 / kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Authority:

Lieutenant K. Nielsen 12635