FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesR@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) has been investigating six armed robberies of businesses that occurred between October 23rd and October 25th. During the incidents, the suspect entered businesses displaying a handgun and demanding money. During the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect responsible for all six of the armed robberies.

Below are the dates and locations of the robberies:

• 10/23/21 at 4:59 pm at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 3025 S. Westnedge
• 10/23/21 at 5:06 pm at Bottoms Up Convenience Store, 930 W. Michigan
• 10/25/21 at 6:51 pm at Autozone, 814 E. Cork
• 10/25/21 at 10:03 pm at Kingmart, 407 Mills
• 10/25/21 at 11:10 pm at Munchie Mart, 3626 W. Michigan
• 10/25/21 at 11:19 pm at Drake Party Store, 4717 W. KL Ave

Investigators from the Crime Reduction Team, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, and detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division all worked together to identify, locate, and arrest the person responsible for these crimes. On 11/03/21 two search warrants were conducted, one in the 1400 block of Lay in Kalamazoo, and the other in the 2100 block of Albatross in Portage.

During the execution of these warrants the 21-year-old male suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. The case will be forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for formal charging on Friday, November 5th.

Anyone with information concerning this or other recent incidents in Kalamazoo is asked to contact KDPS at (269) 337-8994, or Silent Observer at (269)343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

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By authority of: Captain Craig Habel (CID)

NEWS RELEASE

Date: 08/26/21

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

Contact: Executive Lieutenant Matthew Schemenauer, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, 269-337-8880

Kalamazoo, MI: On August 25th, Investigators with the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) executed a search warrant on the 1300 block of Cambridge Drive, with the assistance of the Kalamazoo Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Kalamazoo Community Policing Unit, and the Kalamazoo Public Safety Operations Division. This warrant was in reference to methamphetamine distribution, illegal firearms, and stolen vehicle investigation. KVET investigators were able to identify the suspects and learned that they were distributing methamphetamine to subjects within the Kalamazoo area as well as possessing illegal firearms, stealing vehicles, and selling stolen vehicle parts.

Reference this ongoing investigation, KVET had already contacted and arrested one of the involved suspects last week in the 1600 block of South Westnedge Avenue for outstanding felony warrants. During that arrest, the thirty-two-year-old Kalamazoo resident attempted to flee on a stolen motorcycle, fled on foot, and then resisted arrest. The subject was also found to be in possession of a loaded stolen pistol during the course of resisting arrest.

During a search of the Cambridge property, Investigators located crystal methamphetamine, controlled substance pills, drug distribution packaging materials, a loaded semi-auto pistol magazine, stolen property such as credit cards and ID’s, and two stolen motorcycles. The residence was found to not be livable, and Kalamazoo City Housing responded, condemning the property for numerous housing violations. Kalamazoo County Animal Control was also contacted and addressed animal violations on the property. Of the eight adult subjects contacted on the Cambridge property during the search warrant, six were arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on different charges and outstanding warrants. Charges will be submitted on the suspects contacted during this investigation for charges such as Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substance, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Felony Firearm, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Stolen Vehicles, Fleeing and Eluding, and Resisting and Obstructing Police.

The seven suspects were identified as Kalamazoo area residents ranging from twenty-one years old to forty-three years old.

The Kalamazoo area has experienced an increase in vehicle thefts, methamphetamine use/trafficking, and firearms violence this summer. KVET would like to thank the citizens who submitted tips and gave information related to this incident.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880 or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com

By authority of: Sergeant Justin Wolbrink

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