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

Neighbors aims to reduce crime in neighborhoods by connecting people, security cameras and law enforcement.

Kalamazoo, MI — The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety today announced that it is joining the free Neighbors app by Ring to provide the City of Kalamazoo community with real-time, local crime and safety information. The Neighbors network already has millions of users and has been instrumental in catching package thieves, stopping burglaries, and keeping neighborhoods safe.

Residents can text ‘StaySafe’ to 555888 from their smartphone to download the Neighbors app for free on iOS and Android and use the app to; join their neighborhood, share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive real-time safety alerts from their neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team.

Karianne Thomas, Chief of Kalamazoo Public Safety, said: “This is yet one more example of collaboration with the community, to make Kalamazoo safer. We hope that with this community involvement, KDPS can be even more effective at solving and preventing crimes from occurring.”

Jamie Siminoff, Chief Inventor and Founder of Ring, said: “We’re excited to have KDPS join Neighbors to keep their community up-to-date on local crime and safety information. Over the past few years we have learned that, when neighbors, the Ring team and law enforcement all work together, we can create safer communities. Neighbors is meant to facilitate real-time communication between these groups, while maintaining neighbor privacy first and foremost. By bringing security to every neighbor with the free Neighbors app, the Kalamazoo community can stay on top of crime and safety alerts as they happen.”

How It Works

• Download the Neighbors app on iOS and Android here: download.ring.com/neighbors or by texting ‘StaySafe’ to 555888 from your smartphone.
• Opt-in to join your neighborhood.
• Customize the geographic area you want to receive notifications for (users must verify where they are located and cannot participate in other neighborhoods).
• Receive real-time alerts from your neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team that inform of crime and safety alerts as they happen.
• View local crime and safety posts via a live feed or interactive map.
• Share text updates, photos and videos taken on any device, including Ring’s home security devices.
• Work with your community to make neighborhoods safer.

About Neighbors

Neighbors is a neighborhood watch app that provides real-time, local crime and safety information. Download the free Neighbors app (iOS/Android), join your neighborhood, and use the app to: view neighborhood activity; share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive real-time safety alerts from your neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team. For more information visit www.ring.com/neighbors.

About Ring

Ring’s mission is to reduce crime in neighborhoods by creating a Ring of Security around homes and communities. Ring is an Amazon company. The Ring product line, along with Neighborsby Ring, enable Ring to offer affordable, whole-home and neighborhood security devices and services. In fact, one Los Angeles neighborhood saw a 55 percent decrease in home break-ins after Ring Doorbells were installed on just ten percent of homes. For more information, visit www.ring.com. With Ring, you’re always home.

Neighbors Media Contact
Kaleigh Bueckert-Orme
Public Relations Coordinator, Ring
Media@ring.com

By authority of: Lt Danielle Guilds

Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139

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