The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) is deeply saddened by the death of Public Safety Officer (PSO) Christian Smith, who passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones following a battle with leukemia.

Christian, age 32, was a committed and loving father, husband, son, brother, and friend to all who had a chance to know and love him. Christian was a 6-year veteran of KDPS, where he served as a police officer, firefighter, field training officer, K9 handler, and drug investigator. He was a selfless public servant who was dedicated to providing exceptional services to the community. His contributions to the community were far reaching and his legacy is not soon forgotten. Prior to joining KDPS, PSO Smith valiantly served in the United States Marine Corps.

KDPS, the City of Kalamazoo, and first responders across Michigan mourn the loss of PSO Smith. We extend our deepest sympathies to Christian’s loved ones as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.

PSO Smith’s Celebration of Life ceremony, which is open to the public, is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. and will occur at Valley Family Church, 2500 Vincent Avenue, Portage, MI 49024.

Correspondence intended for the family may be sent to:

On behalf of the Smith family, KDPS would like to thank those who have expressed a desire to donate to the family. An account has been set up at Lake Michigan Credit Union under Samantha Smith. Donations can be made at any of their locations.

By authority of:  Acting Chief David Boysen

The suspect in the Sunday night shooting from the 500 block of Vernon Court has been taken into custody. This morning, 4/12/22, the suspect came into Kalamazoo Public Safety Headquarters and surrendered himself to police. The 16-year-old suspect is currently lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home awaiting arraignment. The suspect has been arrested and charged with assault with intent to murder and felony firearm. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

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

By Authority of: Captain Craig Habel (Criminal Investigations Division)

Date:  April 12^th, 2022

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

Contact:  KDPS Criminal Investigation Division #269-337-8139

On the morning of July 20th, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers located and arrested the suspect in the previous night’s non-fatal stabbing at the Ampersee Ave encampment. The suspect, a 39-year-old Kalamazoo resident, was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges of assault with intent to murder. His name is being withheld pending arraignment.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269) 337-8139 or Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt Chuck Mason, Criminal Investigations Division

July 20th, 2021

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

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, bridgesR@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

ORIGINAL:

On July 19^th at approximately 6:00PM Kalamazoo Public Safety received multiple calls regarding a subject who had been stabbed at the homeless encampment near the intersection of Bridge/Ampersee.  First arriving officers located the victim with multiple wounds and learned that the suspect had fled on foot. 

A K9 track was performed resulting in an increased police presence in the downtown area.  Although the suspect was not located, the initial investigation leads KDPS to believe that there is no danger to the general public and is continuing to gather information to locate and arrest the suspect. 

The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety received video of the hit-and-run that occurred at W North St and Elm St on Friday July 16^th, 2021 at 11:08 p.m. The following are screen shots of the video showing the suspect vehicle involved.

Anyone with information about the vehicle, its driver, or occupants, is asked to call Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division at (269) 337-8139, or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of: Sgt Chuck Mason

Date:  July 19, 2021

Address:  150 E Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Captain Craig Habel, (269) 337-8139

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Pedestrian struck by vehicle

Kalamazoo, MI: Kalamazoo, MI: On Friday July 16^th, 2021 at approximately 11:08pm an individual was struck by a vehicle while in the roadway near the intersection of W. North St and Elm St. in the City of Kalamazoo.  Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded and rendered aid. The victim, a 39-year-old female from Kalamazoo was transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital and is currently in stable condition. The involved vehicle fled the scene. There were no witnesses but evidence of vehicle parts were located on scene.  The suspect vehicle and suspect have not been located at this time.

On Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11:43 p.m., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to a residence in the 3100-block of Whittier Dr on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found a 33 year-old Kalamazoo man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The man was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 488-8911 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

Date: May 16, 2021

Address: 150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Craig Habel, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139