Kalamazoo, MI: On Sunday, April 04, 2019, at approximately 9 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to a structure fire in the 700-block of Academy. Public Safety Officers arrived and encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions throughout the home. Interior search and rescue attempts were made despite the heavy fire conditions. The structure was quickly deemed unsafe for interior firefighting leading to a defensive attack from the exterior.

The structure contained at least nine apartments. One occupant was injured and transported to a local hospital. Red Cross was contacted and responded to assist the displaced residents. The structure was heavily damaged. Firefighters are still on scene and are continuing with fire suppression efforts. This investigation is in the preliminary stages and will be headed by the Fire Marshal.

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: Sgt. Ryan Preston

Date: April 5, 2019

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

On April 7, 2018 at approximately 4:00 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N Burdick regarding the report of a shooting.

Responding Officers arrived and located one victim who appeared to have been struck by gunfire. The victim, Terrance Jaleel Swinney, a 26 year old Kalamazoo resident was rushed to a local hospital, however was later pronounced dead after succumbing to his injuries.

On April 3rd, 2019, Kalamazoo Public Safety Detective Joe Paul swore to a two count warrant for Open Murder and Felony Firearm issued for Johnnie Williams-Hopkins. Williams-Hopkins is a 29 year old Portage resident. Williams-Hopkins is currently being held at the Kalamazoo County Jail. Williams-Hopkins was arraigned today in 8th District Court on the charges listed.

This case has been a year-long investigation for Kalamazoo Public Safety. It is a culmination of hard work by many that will hopefully bring closure to the Swinney family. Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to pass along the condolences to the Swinney family.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8139 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Authority: Captain Brad Misner

Date: April 4th, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety 337-8139

On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 around 8:00 am, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the 1200 block of Douglas Ave for a report of an apartment fire. When officers arrived on scene they found heavy smoke conditions coming from an apartment on the second floor inside a multi-level apartment building. It was unknown to officers if there were residents still inside the apartment and search/rescue efforts were immediately started. No one was located inside.

Fire suppression efforts were started and the fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. Officers were on scene for just over an hour conducting firefighter operations. The fire was contained to one apartment, however there was minor water damage sustained to surrounding apartments. The building had an operational sprinkler system which was critical in this incident in containing the fire and preventing fire spread throughout the building.

No civilians or firefighters were injured in this incident. Two residents were temporarily displaced due to the fire, but are receiving services through the Red Cross. The fire cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal.

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

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Tuesday, April 02, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Matthew Huber, Operations Division, 269-337-8120

Kalamazoo, MI: On 03-24-19 at approximately 6:06 pm KDPS Officers responded to the 700 Blk of N. Pitcher St. in reference to a fight complaint, where multiple subjects were present with handguns.

Upon arrival officers encountered a large group of individuals and preliminary information was obtained that two subjects with firearms ran into one of the houses. During this time officers observed another male running from the area between houses. This male a 31 year old Kalamazoo resident was contacted by KDPS officers and a handgun was found discarded along this male’s path of travel.

KDPS officers continued their investigation at the residence where the other two subjects were observed running into by witnesses. From this investigation another 31 year old Kalamazoo resident was arrested for Felonious Assault-Firearm and two handguns believed to be used in this incident were recovered from inside the residence.

KDPS found that this fight erupted between neighbors during a birthday party that was being held at the involved resident’s house and escalated to the point that firearms were pulled out and pointed at individuals, no shots were fired. Numerous children were present during this altercation.

Only one adult female sustained minor injury related to the physical altercation and no medical treatment was required.

Information was obtained that additional subjects were present with firearms and the investigation is ongoing. Additionally cell phone video may have captured this incident and if anyone has video of this incident they are urged to contact KDPS.

Both suspects were arrested and lodged at Kalamazoo County Jail on weapons related charges.

Public Safety is requesting anyone with information about this crime to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, the Criminal Investigation Division at 337-8139, or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Date: March 24th, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

Authority of Lt. Scott VanderEnde