Date:  May 16, 2022

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

Contact:  Captain Scott VanderEnde, Operations Division, 337-8142

KDPS Enforces Mobile Nuisance Party Activities

Kalamazoo, MI: On Saturday, May 14, 2022, officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) conducted an enforcement operation to reduce the large gatherings and illegal activities that commonly take place during Mobile Nuisance Parties. This enforcement operation combined over 20 officers from Operations Division, Community Policing Unit, Crime Reduction Team (CRT), & Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET). 

KDPS has received complaints from the community regarding Mobile Nuisance Parties which is a constant strain on law enforcement resources due to increased crowd complaints, fights, and gun violence.  These events occur on weekends in the later evening and early morning hours throughout the Kalamazoo community.

During the enforcement, officers encountered large crowds in the 2900 block of S. Howard and 800 block of Woodbury that were engaged in Mobile Nuisance Party activities including illegal firearm possession, fighting, open intoxicants, littering, illegal drug possession, loud music, and dancing on cars.  

As a result of this enforcement officers made the following arrests: 

21-year-old male, Kalamazoo resident: Carrying concealed weapon (firearm), resisting and obstructing police, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felony firearm, & felon in possession of firearm/ammunition.

20-year-old male, Kalamazoo resident:  Carrying concealed weapon (firearm), resisting and obstructing police, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felony firearm, & felon in possession of firearm/ammunition.

20-year-old male, Kalamazoo resident:  Fleeing and eluding, carrying concealed weapon (firearm), resisting and obstructing police, & felony firearm.

19-year-old male, Battle Creek resident: Carrying concealed weapon (firearm), possession with intent to distribute (marijuana), & felony firearm

23-year-old male, Kalamazoo resident:  Carrying concealed weapon (firearm), felon in possession of firearm/ammunition, & felony firearm

24-year-old male, Kalamazoo resident: Fleeing & eluding, resisting and obstructing police causing injury, possession with intent to distribute (fentanyl & cocaine), leaving the scene on an accident, and driving with no license.

29-year-old female, Kalamazoo resident: Mobile Nuisance Party-Host & Interfering 

16-year-old female, Kalamazoo resident: Fighting-released to guardian

17-year-old female, Kalamazoo resident: Fighting-released to guardian

21-year-old male, Kalamazoo resident:  Trespassing-cited and released

During the arrests, two officers received lacerations to their hands and were treated and released at a local hospital.

In total five firearms were seized from individuals arrested during this operation and six adult males and one adult female were arrested and lodged at Kalamazoo County Jail.  Two juvenile females were released to guardians, and one adult male was issued and appearance citation and released.

By Authority of:  Capt. Scott VanderEnde

Date:  May 9, 2022

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

Contact:  Captain Scott VanderEnde, Operations Division, 337-8142

KDPS Bike Safety Week Traffic Enforcement

Kalamazoo, MI:

During Bike Safety Week, Public Safety Officers will be conducting traffic enforcement operations with a focus on unsafe passing of bicycles.

City of Kalamazoo ordinance (36-99) states that, drivers must give five feet of space when passing someone who is on a bicycle.   Drivers who do not adhere to the five-foot rule while passing a bicycle will be pulled over by waiting officers. Enforcement of this violation will primarily be warnings with the overall goal being to educate drivers on the importance of allowing safe passage when passing bicycles.  

The traffic enforcement operation will include officers riding on bicycles on a nearly two-mile route through Kalamazoo. Officers will be equipped with a distance measuring device that is affixed to the handlebars of the bicycle. This device will measure the distance between the bicycle and vehicle in real time.

National data showed that 18% of people who die in motor accidents were on bicycles.  

 “Bike Safety Week, is a great reminder for those traveling in Kalamazoo that not just this week but year-round we want to share our roadways with each other by being alert and courteous drivers and riders.” – Captain Scott VanderEnde

By Authority of:  Capt. Scott VanderEnde

Date: May 7, 2022

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

Contact: Capt. Rafael Diaz, C.O.P.S. Division (CRT/KVET), 337-8880

CRT/KVET Seize Several Pounds of Crystal Meth and 3 Guns

Kalamazoo, MI:

On May 5, 2022, Kalamazoo Public Safety’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) conducted a joint operation with the Kalamazoo Metro – SWAT Team in the 1500 block of Krom Avenue. Investigators were seeking to seize drugs and guns from a violent offender. The teams executed a signed search warrant and secured the residence without incident. During the search, Investigators seized two rifles, one handgun, over $20,000 in US Currency, and several pounds of crystal meth. Investigators arrested an adult male in connection to this ongoing investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. 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: Captain Rafael Diaz

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

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

CRT/KVET Arrest Two Violent Offenders during Separate Investigations

Kalamazoo, MI: 

On April 13, 2022, Kalamazoo Public Safety’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) conducted surveillance operations of two known violent offenders as a part of our continued efforts to reduce gun violence. 

During the first surveillance operation, investigators contacted a 30-year-old, male, Kalamazoo resident in the 4200 block of Portage Road.  The man was wanted on a multi-count felony warrant stemming from a shooting that occurred on April 4, 2022.  During the arrest, the man brandished a loaded firearm but was taken into custody without incident.  Suspected crack cocaine was also located.  The man was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on the strength of the outstanding warrant.  New charges are being sought for violations involving weapons and drug sales.    

During the second surveillance operation, investigators contacted a 21-year-old, male, Kalamazoo resident in the 3500 block of E. Main Street.  The man was wanted as a parole absconder.  During the arrest, a loaded firearm and evidence of drug sales were seized from his person.  The man was arrested on the strength of the strength of the outstanding warrant.  New charges are being sought for violations involving weapons and drug sales.    

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Anyone having information regarding this incident 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

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