On September 14th, 2019 at approximately 5:05 pm, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to Spring Valley Park at 2606 Mt. Olivet regarding a juvenile struggling to remain afloat in the lake. KCCA Dispatchers received multiple calls reporting the juvenile was calling for help and stating he could not breathe. When officers arrived on scene they observed the juvenile in the lake approximately 100 yards from shore and struggling to remain afloat. A bystander had entered the water in an effort to save the juvenile but was overcome with exhaustion upon reaching the juvenile and was unable to provide further aid.

Sgt. Deblecourt of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, a veteran police officer who is trained in water rescue, entered the water and swam out to the juvenile and bystander. Sgt. Deblecourt was able to support both subjects in the water until additional officers arrived to assist. Officers worked in concert to bring each of the subjects to shore and render medical aid.

Officers later learned that the juvenile had entered the water in an effort to rescue his dog who he believed had been in distress while swimming in the lake. The juvenile, bystander, and dog were all treated and released from the scene after a medical evaluation and consultation by emergency medical personnel.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at488-8911, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or report online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety would like to remind swimmers to exercise caution when swimming in large bodies of water, swim with a buddy, remain close to shore, and continuously evaluate your level of exhaustion while swimming in deep waters.

By authority of: Sgt. Bryan Martin

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8120

Kalamazoo, MI: On Friday, August 24, 2019 at approximately 1142 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to N. Westnedge Ave/ Florence in reference to a verbal argument. Once officers arrived, witnesses reported several gunshots in the area. During the course of this investigation 2 gunshot victims were located nearby. A third victim was transported by citizen to a local hospital for treatment. One victim is a 21 year old male, Kalamazoo resident. The second victim is a 39 year old female, Kalamazoo resident. The third victim is a 40 year old male, Kalamazoo resident. All three victims are in stable condition.

All involved victims and several witnesses were interviewed however limited suspect information was provided. The suspect was described as a tall and skinny black male. After the shooting the suspect was observed fleeing the scene in a dark colored older sedan. The vehicle was last observed east on Florence.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt. Ryan Preston

Kalamazoo, MI: On Monday, June 17th, 2019, at approximately 2245 hours, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to Walgreens at Riverview and Gull Rd, meeting two young females who were upset and trying to locate their uncle. The uncle was located and reunited with the two girls. In speaking with the girls, officers learned a family member had driven her vehicle into the Kalamazoo River. Officers were also advised; the mother had her two children inside the vehicle when it plunged into the river.

Officers began looking for a possible area where this could have occurred. Squad 6 responded to the area of Verburg Park off from Paterson St. with a boat. Within a few minutes of being in the water, officers located a submerged vehicle. A few minutes later two victims were located.

The Kalamazoo Forensics Crime Lab responded to process the scene. The Michigan State Police Dive Team was also asked to assist with the recovery of the vehicle and a possible third victim. At this time, the investigation is continuing. The identities of all the victims are being held until a positive identification can be made, along with family notification.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety offers its condolences to all family and friends who have been impacted by this tragic loss.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-488-8911 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Capt. Brad Misner

Date: June 17th, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139

Kalamazoo, MI:

On Thursday June 6th, 2019 at approximately 09:02 am, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 3700 block of S. Rose St. for a report of a house on fire.

Public Safety Officers arrived on scene within minutes of the call and found smoke coming from the eaves and attic vents near the roof of the single story house. Fire suppression efforts were conducted and the fire was extinguished. The structure was found to be unoccupied at the time. No firefighters or citizens were injured. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshall’s office.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-488-8911, Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Date: June 6th, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Matthew Huber, Captain Operations Division, 337-8142

By authority of: Lt. Scott VanderEnde