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

Contact:  Cpt Habel, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

PRESS RELEASE

Multiple Stolen Vehicles and Firearms Recovered

Kalamazoo, MI:

On April 25^th 2022, at approximately 11:30PM, Public Safety Officers located a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Howard St and W Michigan Ave.  After a short pursuit, 4 occupants fled from the vehicle on foot.  With the assistance of a police K9, all 4 occupants were located and arrested.  Through the continued investigation, a second stolen vehicle was located and recovered along with three firearms affiliated with the arrested subjects.

Four juvenile suspects were arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Detention Facility on various felony charges.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269)488-8911 or Silent Observer at (269)343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of:  Lieutenant Keaton Nielsen

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

Contact:  Cpt Habel, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

PRESS RELEASE

Subject Shot

Kalamazoo, MI:

On April 25^th 2022, at approximately 01:30AM, Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Phelps Ave for the report of someone who had been shot.  Officers located the victim suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound and not breathing.  The victim was transported to an area hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.

The identity of the victim is currently being withheld as the incident is still under investigation and until family notifications have been made.

Kalamazoo Public Safety offers its condolences to the friends and families of the victim.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269)488-8911 or Silent Observer at (269)343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of:  Lieutenant Keaton Nielsen

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

Contact:  Cpt Habel, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

PRESS RELEASE

Shots Fired at Vehicle, Suspect in Custody

Kalamazoo, MI:

On April 24^th 2022, at approximately 07:30PM, Public Safety Officers were on a burglary complaint in the 4100 block of Jody Ln when nearby gun shots were heard by officers near the 4400 block of Lilac Ln.  Two individuals were observed running from the area and were chased by officers. 

A juvenile Kalamazoo resident was apprehended after a foot pursuit related to the shooting.  The firearm believed to have been used was also recovered.  A second involved suspect was not located however, Public Safety is following up on several leads to identify this person. There were no reported injuries related to the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269)488-8911 or Silent Observer at (269)343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of:  Lieutenant Keaton Nielsen

Date:  Saturday, April 23, 2022

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

Contact:  Captain Vanderende, vanderendes@kalamazoocity.org, 269-337-8140

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, at approximately 09:18 A.M., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 700 block of Riverview Dr. for a report of a structure fire. When KDPS officers arrived, smoke was observed coming from the rear of the residence. 

KDPS officers were able to bring the fire under control within 15 minutes and are currently still on scene.  The structure was unoccupied, and no injuries occurred during this incident. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.

Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to remind everyone to talk with family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year. 

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of: Lt. Eric Reiber

Date:  April 15, 2022

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

Contact:  Capt. Rafael Diaz, C.O.P.S. Division, 337-8880

Operation Moving Forward

Kalamazoo, MI: 

On Thursday March 14, 2022, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, Portage Public Safety Department, and Western Michigan University Police Department partnered with the Michigan Department of Corrections to conduct multiple probation and parole compliance checks.  The operation, titled Moving Forward, was intended to deter future criminal activity.  The significant uptick in violent crime that occurred over the last two years prompted the collaboration to signal to the community that violent crime will not be tolerated. 

The Michigan Department of Corrections mission states that “We create a safer Michigan by holding offenders accountable while promoting their success.”  And Operation Moving Forward was able to accomplish every aspect of that mission statement during the operation.  For most, the check was an opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the terms and conditions of supervision.  These individuals are committed to moving forward and are working with the support of various service agencies to improve their situation.  For some, the check was a reminder that criminal conduct and violations would have consequences including jail.  These individuals have yet to take advantage of the opportunity to turn their life around.  In both instances, the opportunity for personal growth and reflection exists. 

Operation Moving Forward involved 21 agents and officers divided into 7 teams.  In all, over 40 compliance checks were conducted throughout Kalamazoo County.  5 individuals were arrested for violations of probation or parole with another subject arrested on an outstanding felony warrant.  Additionally, a variety of new criminal charges resulted including drug and weapons violations.  In all 4 weapons were seized including an M4 style rifle and 3 pistols. 

Because each agency believes that all Kalamazoo County residents deserve a safe environment to raise children, work, travel, and enjoy leisure activities, we will continue to build relationships to hold individuals accountable and offer assistance to improve the quality of life.

The circumstances surrounding each incident are still under investigation. Anyone having information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

By authority of:  Capt. Rafael Diaz